Taiwan maintained Tier 1 status for the 10th consecutive year in the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report released June 20 by the U.S. Department of State.

The country fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, the report said, with the government continuing to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts in investigating trafficking, prosecuting offenders, protecting victims and raising awareness of the issue.

Of the 33 Tier 1 countries, Taiwan is one of six in the Asia-Pacific alongside Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea. Hong Kong and China are listed as Tier 2 and Tier 3, respectively.

The report spotlights various government endeavors to strengthen enforcement and protections. These include investigating significantly more traffickers and labor recruitment agencies; conducting for the first time random inspections of fishing vessels on the high sea; repatriating an increased number of foreign victims; and amending legislation to improve protections for migrant workers.
 
The Ministry of the Interior said the ranking is recognition of government efforts in safeguarding human rights and fulfilling its responsibility as a member of the international community.
 
According to the MOI, 120 foreign victims of human trafficking were rescued in 2018, while 112 individuals were prosecuted for conducting such crimes. Both numbers are the lowest record for Taiwan.
 
Regarding report recommendations pertaining to the fishing industry and recruitment of overseas workers, the MOI said remedial measures are in place and will be monitored accordingly by relevant agencies. (SFC-E)

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