US Report: Human Trafficking in Guinea-Bissau.
The Department of State of the United States of America (USA), released a Report on Human Trafficking for 2023, highlighting several countries for the lack of effective efforts to combat this abominable practice. In the focus of these criticisms are two Portuguese-speaking African countries: Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique.
Guinea-Bissau's Inaction
The report singled out Guinea-Bissau as one of the countries that have not taken sufficient steps to combat human trafficking. Classified at level three, this group includes countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, all censured for their insufficient response to this global problem.
Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and a significant problem that affects millions of people around the world. Despite the magnitude of the problem, Guinea-Bissau along with other level three countries, has not taken sufficient measures to mitigate or eradicate this issue in its territory. This notorious inaction led to its unfavorable position in the report.
The Fall of Mozambique
Another Portuguese-speaking African country mentioned in the report is Mozambique, which, although in group two, was relegated to “level two watch list".
This subcategory is for states that are making efforts to combat human trafficking but still have a “very significant” from victims of serious forms of trafficking or who fail to provide evidence of their escalating efforts.
According to Ambassador Cindy Dyer, from the Office for Monitoring and Combating Human Trafficking, Mozambique was downgraded by;
“Failure to meet the minimum standards established in the Law for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking (TVPA)”.
"They've made some significant efforts, but they haven't demonstrated increasing global efforts."
This situation emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and action, especially with regard to tracing and identifying victims of trafficking.
Angola, Cape Verde, Brazil and Portugal
Portuguese-speaking countries, Angola and Cape Verde, were classified at level two, which indicates that, although they do not fully comply with the standards of the Law for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, they are making significant efforts to adapt to these standards. . Likewise, Brazil and Portugal are also in this category.
The Trafficking in Persons Report 2023 divides countries into three categories and one subcategory, based on the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
The document underscores the United States' determination to combat human trafficking, which is seen as an attack on human rights and freedoms. It is estimated that around 27 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking and forced labour, disproportionately affecting women and people from the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
The report underscores the urgent need for global action to combat human trafficking and calls on all States to increase their efforts in this critical area. For the aforementioned countries, especially Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, it is a call to action that cannot be ignored.
What do you think of this report? And the fact that Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau are ranked so poorly? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
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