Taiwan keeps top ranking in anti-human trafficking

2015/07/31

Taiwan was listed as a Tier 1 country for the sixth consecutive year in the Trafficking in Persons Report published July 27 by the U.S. Department of State.

The annual report found that Taiwan fully complies with minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, with the government continuing to prosecute offenders and raising public awareness during the reporting period.

Efforts to prevent related crimes and protect victims have seen the situation in Taiwan improve significant in recent years, the report added, noting that the majority of trafficking cases were prosecuted under laws other than the Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act.

Although numerous conferences, seminars and workshops were staged to enhance public awareness and training for officials, prosecutors and judges still demonstrate a limited understanding of trafficking crimes, the report said.

Taiwan must vigorously investigate, prosecute, convict and impose stringent punishment on traffickers and employers who abuse or exploit migrant laborers, the report recommended. In addition, greater efforts must be made to foster interagency information sharing and anti-trafficking coordination, as well as institutionalizing training.

Among the 31 Tier 1 countries, Taiwan is one of four in Asia-Pacific, along with Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are in Tier 2, while mainland China is on the Tier 2 Watch List.

In an opening speech at the three-day International Workshops on Strategies for Combating Human Trafficking hosted by the National Immigration Agency in Taipei City, President Ma Ying-jeou welcomed the result and said it represents global recognition of government initiatives in this regard.

“The ROC places a premium on human rights protection,” he said, citing as examples his ratification in 2009 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The president also commended efforts by the Ministry of the Interior and NIA, pledging to maintain Taiwan’s reputation as an inspiring and respected champion of human rights in Asia-Pacific.

Echoing Ma’s remarks, Brent Christensen, deputy director of the American Institute in Taiwan, said “Taiwan stands out as a regional and global leader for its efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect victims and prosecute offenders.”

Applauding steps taken by the government in this regard, including hosting the annual workshops, Christensen said the U.S. fully backs Taiwan’s commitment to eradicating modern-day slavery.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233156&ctNode=413)