ID :
375484
Tue, 07/28/2015 - 12:30
Auther :

Thailand Remains In Tier 3 Of Us Trafficking In Persons Report 2015

By Minggu Simon Lhasa BANGKOK, July 28 (Bernama) -- Thailand remained in Tier 3 of the United States State Department Trafficking in Persons Report 2015. In reaction to the second consecutive year of placement in Tier 3, Thailand's Foreign Ministry said it took note of such evaluation. However, it believed the placement of Thailand in Tier 3 did not accurately reflect the significant efforts undertaken by the Thai Government and its partnership with the private sector and civil society, in making tangible progress which had occurred on all fronts in the previous year. Since August last year, the Thai Government had translated its genuine political will to combat human trafficking into practical policies, effective implementation and concrete results, said the ministry. On policy and policy implementation, it said the government had firstly, declared combating trafficking in persons a national priority; secondly, set up a policy committee on combating human trafficking and illegal fishing chaired by the prime minister and five sub-committees chaired by the deputy prime ministers and relevant ministers; and, thirdly, revised and enacted several laws and regulations, including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. On prosecution and law enforcement, it added that relevant agencies intensified efforts which led to the crackdown of trafficking syndicates, as well as many arrests and punishments of high-ranking officials complicit in human trafficking. On prevention, the holistic solution to address labour exploitation in the fisheries sector was introduced in tandem with the expedited registration and legalisation of more than 1.6 million illegal migrants, it noted. These policies provided them with legal protection and therefore, reduced their vulnerability to human trafficking, said the ministry. On protection, victim identification by multi-disciplinary teams and victim care had been improved, it added. The ministry said, on partnership, Thailand played a leading role in forging bilateral and multilateral ties to ensure that this highly complex issue was addressed in a concerted manner and achieved the appropriate balance between human rights and security considerations. Despite the tier ranking, Thailand would continue to do its utmost to overcome the remaining challenges, while also promoting security and upholding its long and distinguished tradition of adherence to humanitarianism, it said. It added that Thailand would also seek to further strengthen cooperation and partnership with all stakeholders, including private sector, civil society, international organisations and international community. --BERNAMA

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