US Human Trafficking Report Faults Gulf Allies

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Voice of America

US Human Trafficking Report Faults Gulf Allies
By David Gollust
Washington
04 June 2008

The State Department's annual report on human trafficking, issued Wednesday, gave the lowest rankings to some U.S. Arab allies, including Saudi Arabia. But several countries were credited with an improved performance on the issue, including Venezuela, Malaysia and Madagascar. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

The annual report is mandated by an act of Congress, and according to both U.S. officials and non-governmental activists has become the most authoritative guide available to the global problem of human trafficking.

Introducing the 2008 report at a State Department news conference, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the report has elevated the level of world attention to the problems of trafficking including sex slavery and forced labor:

"Globally, human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat. It deprives people of their human rights and dignity. It increases global health risks. It bankrolls the growth of organized crime and it undermines the rule of law. In recent years we've witnessed a hopeful global movement uniting civil society, governments, and international organizations - not just to confront this crime, but to abolish it," she said.



Read more: http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-06-04-voa47.cfm?rss=united%20states

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Human Trafficking & Modern-day Slavery

The United States of America (USA) < Country-by-Country Reports >

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency estimates that 50,000 people are trafficked into or transited through the U.S.A. annually as sex slaves, domestics, garment, and agricultural slaves.

[SpiralHawk]

1. "Ya can't blame 'em for wanting to make a buck." - Republicons

[QUALAR]

2. BLOWING SMOKE

Take a look at the Northern Marianas where Bush obstructed justice by interfering with federal prosecutors to protect his cronies. Then the State Department can accuse other countries. I got a kick out of one questioner who challenged Iran's inclusion and the spokesperson pretty much admitted there wasn't any substantive evidence, but we're convinced they belong on it.

[flashl]

3. Our SOS pointing a finger at another country is the joke when US is the #1 orig and dest. nt