************************************************************
In response to media enquiries about combating human trafficking and related issues, an Security Bureau spokesman made the following remarks today (August 21):
"Over the years, cases of human trafficking are rare in Hong Kong. The number of human trafficking cases reported in 2005 to 2008 are 3, 3, 4 and 1 respectively. Notwithstanding the rare occurrence of human trafficking crimes in Hong Kong, the Government attaches great importance to combating human trafficking and maintains close co-operation with overseas enforcement agencies in tackling the problem. The case about the rescue of six Pilipino trafficking victims and the arrest of a trafficker by the Hong Kong Police cited by some non-government organisations was the only trafficking case reported in that year. The case reflects typically the successful co-operation between the Hong Kong Police and overseas enforcement agencies in the fight against human trafficking. The allegation by some non-government organisations that there are signs of increase in human trafficking crimes in Hong Kong is unfounded.
Hong Kong is neither a destination nor a transit point for human trafficking. Neither is it a place of origin for exporting illegal migrants. There are no signs to indicate any difference, certainly not deterioration, in the trend of such crimes or effectiveness of our law enforcement efforts in terms of the number of arrests, prosecutions or convictions. The law enforcement agencies have not received reports of any cases on trafficking of children for sex trade via Hong Kong. The law enforcement agencies will take all trafficking reports seriously and will maintain close liaison with foreign consulates and non-governmental organisations with a view to bringing to justice human trafficking criminals.
The Laws of Hong Kong (including the Crimes Ordinance and the Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance) have already put activities such as trafficking in persons and abduction of children as criminal offences. The Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance strengthens protection of children against sexual exploitation in the forms of child pornography and child sex tourism. The Police have stepped up enforcement against child pornography with the enhanced powers under the Ordinance, and will continue to co-operate with law enforcement agencies of other jurisdictions and other stakeholders in combating these illegal activities.
The Police are always committed to combating all kinds of illegal prostitution activities, especially prostitution activities organised by syndicates and those involving underage girls. The Police will continue to take proactive enforcement actions to combat illegal prostitution activities."
Ends/Friday, August 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:08
NNNN
