The United States Estimates 800,000 Victims Trafficked Among Nations
Annual Trafficking in Persons Report intended to raise awareness
Washington D.C., June 12, 2007: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the seventh annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report.
The 164 – country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern day form of slavery. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons. The assessment includes reports on 151 countries determined to have a significant number of victims (on the order of 100) of severe forms of human trafficking. Commentary on thirteen additional countries, considered special cases, is also included.
The United States estimates that each year, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which do not include millions trafficked within their own countries. Human trafficking victims can be subjected to labor exploitation or sexual exploitation, or both.
This year, there will be an added focus on forced labor trafficking, including involuntary domestic servitude and debt bondage. These types of modern – day slavery, involving millions of people every year, happen often in an individual’s own country and are often the results of cultural attitudes and traditions as well as economic challenges.
The crime of human trafficking adversely affects us all. It deprives people of their most basic human rights and freedoms, it poses a public health risk, and it is a major source of illicit revenue for organized crime. It is a problem that can’t be ignored by any of us in the world community. To that and we are proud to partner with other countries to free victims of trafficking wherever possible.
The United States is proud to partner with other countries and NGOs to fight human trafficking. Last year, the U.S. government spent approximately $74 million to fund 154 projects in about 70 countries to support foreign government NGO efforts to combat human trafficking. Since fiscal year 2001, the Bush administration has funded more than $448 million for anti-trafficking in persons projects outside the United States. In addition, U.S. government efforts to promote the rule of law and economic reforms in many countries help reduce the conditions which facilitate trafficking. (Trafficking in persons report)
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