“Today’s release of the eighth Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) contains compelling proof that America’s leadership in combating modern day slavery is making an enormous difference here and around the world and gives hope to those whose lives have been shattered by these horrific crimes,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) the prime sponsor of the Trafficking Victims and Protection Act of 2000, the law which, among other key provisions, mandated an annual report beginning in 2001. 

    “Estimates vary,” Smith noted, “but the U.S. intelligence community reports that approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. Through force, fraud and coercion, these victims, mostly women, are battered, tortured, abused. The number of wounded and dead is unconscionable,” he said. 

    “The TIP report shines a bright light on this global abuse and makes numerous recommendations for action,” said Smith. 

    “We have an obligation to press on so that the thugs who carry out these crimes, and profit off the abuse of others, are captured and punished. Similarly, we must keep working so that the victims receive the treatment and protection they need to restore their lives,” said Smith, who also wrote two subsequent anti-trafficking laws (PL 108-193 and PL 109-164) increasing resources for crime prevention and expanding treatment assistance for victims. 

    Smith, a senior member of the House International Relations Committee said the report which critiques 170 countries this year and comprehensively details the progress or lack progress that countries have made in combating trafficking over time. 

    “It is more than just a snapshot,” Smith said. “The report is a true reflection of what has been achieved over the last 8 years and maps out where we still need to see improvements in order to truly win this battle.” 

    Smith pointed to the number of convictions to underscore the impact of the law. The report points out that after Smith pushed through his second law, The Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act of 2003, the department was required to collect data on convictions as part of the analysis. It shows that there have been over 16,800 convictions worldwide and over 100 countries now have anti-trafficking laws where they had little or no protections in the past. 

    Smith was, however, critical of what he termed, “serious omissions from the report.” 

    “Countries like China, Vietnam and India have egregious records of abuse, both in sex and labor trafficking and they do little to protect they victim or prosecute the criminal. These countries can no longer be parked on the 'Watch List.' Their poor records require that they be designated Tier 3—worst offenders,” he said. “The Watch List was intended to prod and persuade countries to take action. If they don’t, they should be dropped to Tier 3 with a likelihood of sanctions.” 

    Smith noted that the legislation he sponsored this year with the late Rep. Tom Lantos, corrects the Tier 2 Watch list problem by limiting the number of years a country can be on the watch list to just two. 

    Please select here to view the 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report