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Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 details government actions.
In June, the U.S. Department of State released the 2009 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which is the most comprehensive worldwide report on governments’ efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. It represents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of human trafficking and the broad range of government actions to confront and eliminate it.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote in an introductory letter, “The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking.”
The 2009 TIP Report covers the period of April 2008 through March 2009. During this time and since the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000, the fight against trafficking passed an important milestone, as more than half of the world’s countries have enacted criminal legislation prohibiting all forms of trafficking in persons. Over the last year alone, 26 countries enacted new anti-trafficking legislation, some even offering the victims of trafficking restitution through court proceedings and other protections.
The over 300-page report includes a comprehensive definition of human trafficking and exploration of the scope of the problem, the report’s methodology, how trafficking is punished and victims are protected, and efforts for prevention.
Many articles feature information uncommonly referenced, including “human trafficking for organ removal,” “child trafficking in gold mines,” and “buying or negotiating a victim’s freedom.”
Stories of commendable initiatives and individual heroes from around the world are also included.
Almost 200 pages of the report give detailed narratives from countries around the world, explaining if the government is working toward eradicating trafficking and what steps it is taking. Countries who do not cooperate with international efforts are also identified.
The full report can be downloaded at state.gov > Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs > Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons > Releases and Remarks.
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