Senator Norm Coleman held a hearing Tuesday to assess the safety of Peace Corps volunteers and the steps that still need to be taken to ensure that participants abroad are secure
COLEMAN CHAIRS HEARING TO ASSESS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ABROAD
Peace Corps director Vasquez and Minnesotan Cynthia Threlkeld testify
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June 20th, 2004 - Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics, held a hearing Tuesday to assess the safety of Peace Corps volunteers and the steps that still need to be taken to ensure that participants abroad are secure. The Peace Corps has been working hard to address security concerns, Coleman noted, and the purpose of the hearing was to find ways to assist the agency’s efforts.
"Let me state from the outset, I believe the Peace Corps is American diplomacy at its best," Coleman said in his opening statement. "In a world where America is too often misunderstood, the Peace Corps represents an opportunity to show the compassionate nature of this country and its citizens. Now more than ever we need the Peace Corps to continue fostering international goodwill at the grassroots level."
The reported incidence rate for major physical assaults on Peace Corps volunteers nearly doubled from an average of about 9 per 1,000 volunteers in years 1991 – 1993 to an average of about 17 per 1,000 volunteers in years 1998 – 2000.
"This hearing is designed to examine the effectiveness of recent initiatives to improve volunteer safety, and to consider proposals to further protect Peace Corps volunteers," Coleman continued. "In particular, I have asked witnesses to discuss the frequency of site visits by Country Directors, oversight of volunteer living quarters, and the availability of self-defense and other safety training. I am interested to know if there are ways to better employ technology, such as cell phones and satellite phones, to keep volunteers safe and deal with incidents once they occur. I also want to hear about the specific threats which single female volunteers face."
Gaddi Vasquez, the director of the Peace Corps, testified, along with Jess Ford, the director of International Affairs and Trade at the General Accounting Office. Mr. Ford discussed updates to a 2002 GAO report detailing the security threats Peace Corps volunteers face and the steps that still need to be taken to ensure their safety.
Also testifying was Minnesotan Cynthia Threlkeld, Peace Corps’ country director in Guatemala. Ms. Threlkeld, a graduate of St. Thomas University and former director of the Minnesota International Center, discussed how she has dealt with security concerns in her program and what further steps she feels need to be taken.
Contact(s):
Tom Steward
