ROLC Hosts International Delegation to Discuss Strategies to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling 

Anti-Human Trafficking Visitors sponsored by the U.S. State Department met with Steve Austermiller (far left) and Scott Ciment (third from right) of the USC Rule of Law Collaborative. Pictured from left to right include Ezra Goldstein (Israel), Chrysostom Ndunguru (Tanzania), Aida Cosic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Kranti Tamang (Nepal), and Thi Minh Giang Phan, (Vietnam). Also pictured are Sewell Gelberd and Gitzel Puente.

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On February 16, 2024, the University of South Carolina’s Rule of Law Collaborative (ROLC) welcomed an international delegation of frontline professionals combatting human trafficking and smuggling. The discussion, led by ROLC Co-Deputy Director Steve Austermiller and Senior Rule of Law Expert Scott Ciment, focused on legal mechanisms and strategies to address these global crimes. 

The delegation, visiting the United States through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, included experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Nepal, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Participants shared their experiences in law enforcement, victim support, and policy advocacy. 

Ms. Kranti Tamang of the Shanti Foundation in Nepal and Ms. Aida Cosic of the Center of Women’s Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted their work supporting survivors and advocating for stronger legal frameworks. Other key participants included Mr. Ezra Goldstein, Head of Investigations and Intelligence for the Israel National Police, Mr. Chrysostom Ndunguru, an immigration officer from Tanzania, and Ms. Thi Minh Giang Phan, Head of International Migration at Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The engagement reinforced the importance of international collaboration in strengthening legal enforcement and improving global anti-trafficking efforts.