The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has strongly dismissed the allegations made in the U.S. Department of State's 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.
A spokesperson for the HKSAR emphasized that human trafficking is not a significant issue in Hong Kong, asserting that there is no evidence of criminal syndicates using the city as a hub for trafficking activities. \"The findings in the report are groundless,\" the spokesperson stated.
Addressing concerns about the absence of composite trafficking legislation, the HKSAR representative clarified that the region's legislative framework includes over 50 legal provisions specifically targeting various forms of human trafficking. These comprehensive safeguards are on par with those found in other jurisdictions, ensuring robust protection against trafficking crimes.
\"There is no indication to suggest that the effectiveness of Hong Kong's anti-trafficking efforts has been undermined without composite trafficking legislation,\" the spokesperson affirmed.
The HKSAR government has been proactive in combating human trafficking since its inception. In March 2018, a high-level steering committee was established to guide policies aimed at combating trafficking and protecting foreign domestic helpers. By the end of 2019, an action plan with multifaceted measures covering victim identification, investigation, enforcement, prosecution, victim support, prevention, and stakeholder partnerships was fully implemented.
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HKSAR govt firmly opposes U.S. 'trafficking in persons' report claims
cgtn.com
