OLYMPIA – Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, will be participating in a panel discussion on human trafficking at an event held by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on April 29 at 7 p.m.

“Public awareness is key to combatting this terrible scourge on our communities,” Kohl-Welles said. “That is why events like this are vital to getting the word out that trafficking is both a domestic and international issue. The more the public can recognize occurrences of trafficking, the more light we shine on those responsible for perpetuating this terrible crime.”

Kohl-Welles has been the sponsor of many anti-trafficking bills in the Legislature dating back to 2002, helping to make Washington the nation’s leader in efforts to eliminate human trafficking. In 2010, Kohl-Welles received Seattle Against Slavery’s Lincoln Freedom Award for her anti-trafficking legislative work. She also speaks internationally on the subject of human trafficking and is a speaker on trafficking through Humanities Washington Speakers’ Bureau.

UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of children through education, advocacy and material support.

The panel discussion will follow viewing of a film about trafficking, entitled “Not My Life.” The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. It is being held at the Seattle International Film Center, 305 Harrison St. at The Seattle Center in Seattle.

Please email: hliang@unicefusa.org if you would like to attend.