Thursday, June 14, 2007

AIT URGES TAIWAN TO DEAL BETTER WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Taipei June 13 (CNA) Taiwan's efforts to combat human trafficking have been recognized but it must demonstrate greater political will in dealing with the problem, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Wednesday in a statement after the release of the U.S. State Department's 2007 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

For 2007, Taiwan is classified as a "Tier 2" country and has been removed from a U.S. watch list because of its significant efforts to eliminate trafficking, the AIT said, adding that the most notable achievements are "the development of Taiwan's first comprehensive plan of action that covers all forms of human trafficking, plus the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to implement the plan in coordination with non-governmental organizations."

It pointed out, however, that trafficking victims should be granted formal protection, including access to justice, in order to obtain compensation from those who have exploited them, while victims should also have the right to work while awaiting the outcome of court cases.

It called for the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) to stop addressing instances of involuntary servitude with administrative penalties. Instead, it should refer such cases for criminal investigation and possible prosecution. It also said the Taiwan authorities should do more to eliminate the ability of labor brokers and employers to deport workers against their will.

Taiwan was placed on the list of "Tier 1" countries in the 2003 and 2004 reports but was downgraded to "Tier 2" in the 2005 report. In 2006, Taiwan was placed on the "Tier 2 Watch List" for not fully complying with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.

AIT said it will continue to increase public awareness of the suffering caused by trafficking by working with Taiwan officials and non-government organizations.