FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cyprus Fulbright Commission
June 13, 2007

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

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the seventh annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report on Tuesday, June 12. The 164-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.

The United States estimates that, each year, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders, which does not include millions trafficked within their own countries. Trafficking victims can be subjected to labor or sexual exploitation, or both.

This year, there was an added focus on forced labor trafficking, including involuntary domestic servitude and debt bondage. These types of modern-day slavery, involving millions of people every year, happen often in an individual’s own country and are often the results of cultural attitudes and traditions as well as economic challenges.

The Government of Cyprus has been placed on Tier 2 Watch List for a second consecutive year because it did not pass revised anti-trafficking legislation, did not abolish the "artiste"-category employment permit nor significantly reduce its issuance, and did not open a long-promised shelter for trafficking victims.

The government demonstrated a strong willingness to increase its efforts by launching a number of public awareness campaigns. It also developed and distributed a victim assistance and referral handbook for all relevant government departments. However, more remains to be done.

The full text of the Report and photos of human trafficking themes are available on the State Department's website, www.state.gov/g/tip.