Press Releases

2007 International Trafficking in Persons Report Released

On June 12, 2007, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the International Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.  The U.S. Congress, through its passage in 2000 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), as amended, requires the Secretary of State to submit this Report annually.  The goal of this Report is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery.

Annually, according to U.S. Government-sponsored research completed in 2006, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include millions trafficked within their own countries.  Approximately 80 percent of transnational victims are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors. The majority of transnational victims are females trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.  These numbers do not include millions of female and male victims around the world who are trafficked within their own national borders-the majority for forced or bonded labor.  The nationalities of trafficked people are as diverse as the world's cultures.  Some leave developing countries, seeking to improve their lives through low-skilled jobs in more prosperous countries.  Others fall victim to forced or bonded labor in their own countries.  Women eager for a better future are susceptible to promises of jobs abroad as babysitters, housekeepers, waitresses, or models--jobs that traffickers turn into the nightmare of prostitution without exit.  Some families give children to adults, often relatives, who promise education and opportunity, but sell the children into exploitative situations instead.

According to the report, Lesotho is among a small group of countries classified as a “Special Case.”  Limited available data suggests the existence of a significant trafficking in persons problem in Lesotho, although this is yet to be substantiated.  Lesotho remains a special case for a second consecutive year, due to the lack of reliable statistical information, from either the government or international organizations, regarding trafficking incidents to date.  To combat trafficking, the U.S. Government recommends that the Basotho people consider drafting and enacting laws to prohibit all forms of human trafficking, as well as to educate all Basotho, but particularly women, children, and traditional leaders, on the nature and dangers of irregular migration and trafficking in persons.  The United States government considers the government of Lesotho as a partner in this struggle against those who trade in human lives.

The full report is available on–line at available on-line at www.state.gov/g/tip

For further information, please contact the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy at 22-312-666.