About Trafficking in Persons

Trafficking in persons is a modern-day form of slavery. Trafficking victims are typically forced, defrauded or coerced into the sex services industries or into situations where their labor is exploited. Human trafficking is among the fastest growing criminal activities, occurring both worldwide and in individual countries. Annually, at least 600,000 - 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked across borders worldwide, including 14,500 - 17,500 persons into the United States.

The United States government is committed to putting a stop to human trafficking.  The State Department’s annual report on trafficking in persons is an important tool in our fight against this global problem. The report details international and U.S. efforts to end trafficking in persons, to protect and help victims, and prosecute those who treat people like commodities or keep them in slave-like conditions.

The Annual Trafficking in Persons Report is available on the State Department's website on Human Trafficking.

U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald L. Schlicher's opening remarks to TIP film series in Cyprus - American Center, Nicosia, November 26, 2007

U.S. Embassy Nicosia Launches Film Series on Trafficking in Persons, November 26 - December 10, 2007

2003 Protection Project Report: The Cabaret Artistes in Cyprus [pdf]

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Trafficking in Persons Reports

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT ON CYPRUS

Previous Trafficking in Persons Reports

The Trafficking in Persons Report serves as the primary diplomatic tool through which the U.S. Government encourages partnership and increased determination in the fight against forced labor and sexual exploitation.

The 158-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, or modern-day slavery. Its findings will raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons. The assessment includes reports on countries determined to have a significant number of victims of severe forms of trafficking.

This year, there will be a greater emphasis on forced labor trafficking, including domestic servitude and debt bondage.

Release of the Seventh Annual Trafficking in Persons Report - Remarks by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, June 12, 2007

Trafficking in Persons Defined

Media Note: Release of the 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report - Ambassador Mark P. Lagon, Senior Advisor on Trafficking in Persons

Press Release: U.S. Embassy Announces the Release of the 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report

Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

President Bush’s remarks on human trafficking before the United Nations General Assembly
(Excerpt from President Bush's September 23, 2003 address)

Fighting Trafficking Within the United States

U.S. Efforts to End Human Trafficking

Responses to Human Trafficking
(An electronic journal presented by the U.S. State Department)

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The U.S. Department of State estimates between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. (Kay Chernush for the U.S. State Department)

TIP Best Practices

U.S. Laws on Trafficking in Persons

Legal building blocks for TIP legislation

Department of Justice Assessment – demonstrates USG implementation of the victim-centered approach [pdf]

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: “Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons” [pdf]

Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (2005) (U.S. H.R. 972) [pdf]

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