Trafficking in persons report 2006

This report is the sixth annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report issued by the US Department of State, aimed to assist the elimination of severe forms of TIP.

In assessing foreign governments’ efforts, the TIP Report highlights the “three P’s”— prosecution, protection, and prevention. A victim-centred approach to trafficking is also used which equally to addresses the “three R’s”— rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

The report also outlines best practices for implementing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) amended in 2000. These include:

• government agencies should establish formal screening and victim identification procedures to screen at-risk populations such as persons apprehended for violations of immigration laws, prostitution laws, and begging or labour laws. Proactive investigative techniques should be used to identify trafficking indicators
• once identified, a suspected victim of trafficking should be afforded temporary care as a victim of a serious crime
• confirmed trafficking victims should not be punished for crimes that are a direct result of being trafficked. Trafficking victims should not be detained criminally, after they are identified as victims, in detention facilities, except in extreme circumstances. They should be treated as victims
• confirmed trafficking victims should be encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the investigation of the crime committed against them, and to assist in prosecuting the persons that trafficked or exploited them
• a trafficking victim who is unwilling or unable to cooperate in a trafficking prosecution can be returned to her community of origin provided that this return is accomplished in a responsible manner, with preparations made in advance for the victim’s safe return and reintegration. However, a victim should be offered legal alternatives to being removed to countries in which she would face hardship or retribution.