Russian pop star and IOM Goodwill Envoy in the Russian Federation, Valeriya, is to donate all the proceeds of her new single, ’Back to Love’ to IOM as a commitment of support for the Organization’s counter-trafficking work.

The single, which will be released in the UK first on 27th April, tells the story of a victim of trafficking. It will be widely performed during Valeriya’s 2009 European tour.

Valeriya is the first Russian celebrity to dedicate her time and international fame to raise awareness of the plight of victims of trafficking. The sale of her latest album (250,000 CDs to date) has been an effective vehicle for the dissemination of counter trafficking messages.

"I have now decided that all proceeds of my new single should go to the important cause of eliminating human trafficking across the world, led by the International Organization for Migration. I hope my music and work highlight the counter-trafficking cause with my profits now also to benefit the work of the IOM."

Valeriya’s own experience of physical violence in her previous marriage, of which she has openly spoken, has made the singer a powerful ally for IOM’s work worldwide to combat human trafficking.

"We are greatly encouraged by this offer of Valeriya’s. There is so much work to be done and funding needs are great. We hope that the single will be hugely successful so that we can help more trafficked persons," said Enrico Ponziani, IOM Chief of Mission in Russia.

In Russia, IOM has a rehabilitation centre in Moscow which will run out of funds by the end of June. To date the centre has assisted 327 victims of trafficking with medical, psychological and social support.

To find out more about Valeriya’s UK tour dates, please go to http://www.valeriya.co.uk/

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