US State Dept. Releases 2011 Trafficking Report

This week, the U.S. State Department released its annual report on Trafficking in Persons in which it ranks 184 nations, including the U.S., with regard to efforts to fight trafficking.  The report focuses on government efforts towards prevention, prosecution and protection.  It defines trafficking in persons as occurring "when one person obtains or holds another person in compelled service."  The report places countries in one of three tiers: 1. Countries that fully comply with the minimum standards set forth in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TPVA); 2. Countries that do not fully comply with the TPVA, but are making significant efforts to comply; and 3. Countries who are not in compliance with the TPVA and are not making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance.  This year, there are 15 countries that fall into Tier 3.  For more information or to read the full report, click here.

(cgb)