Trafficking Hero Laura Anyola Tufon with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. [StateDept photo]
On June 19, 2013, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry awarded Ms. Laura Anyola Tufon for her work in the fight against trafficking-in-persons and recognized her as a 2013 TIP Hero. Ms. Anyola Tufon is the Regional Coordinator for the Justice and Peace Commission in the Northwest region, and as a 2013 TIP Hero, participated in a ten-day program in the United States. Ms. Anyola Tufon is the first Cameroonian to receive this honor.
Ms. Anyola Tufon has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fighting child trafficking and forced labor. Her organization has established community-based protection mechanisms to identify trafficking victims, prevent them from being re-trafficked, and other vulnerable people from leaving their communities.
Each year, the Department of State honors individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. Referred to as trafficking heroes, these individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers, and concerned citizens who are committed to ending modern slavery.
