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In response to the "US State Department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2015" relating to Hong Kong, a Government spokesman said today (July 27) that the HKSAR Government has all along been committed to combatting human trafficking.
"We have reviewed the report in which Hong Kong has been put in Tier Two again. Although it has acknowledged our key anti-TIP achievements, there exist certain descriptions which do not fully reflect the unfailing commitment and continuous efforts of the HKSAR Government in the fight against human trafficking. In particular, we disagree that Hong Kong is a destination, transit and source territory for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour," the spokesman said.
Hong Kong has continued to be one of the busiest traffic hubs in the world. Notwithstanding the rare occurrence of human trafficking crimes in Hong Kong, we recognise the need to maintain our vigilance towards this threat.
The comprehensive legislative framework of Hong Kong has already fully underpinned the robust enforcement of our law enforcement agencies. Although there is no sign or evidence showing that Hong Kong is becoming a source, a destination or a place of transit for human trafficking activities, we shall continue to collaborate closely with our counterparts locally and overseas to combat such crimes.
By introducing and enhancing several anti-human trafficking measures in the past years, including the addition of a new chapter on "Human Exploitation Cases" in the Prosecution Code, our law enforcement agencies have been working hand-in-hand to contribute rigorous enforcement efforts in combating sex trafficking and forced labour on all fronts.
The report drew reference to cases concerning the protection of rights of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. We must stress that the HKSAR Government is committed to protecting the rights of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. No acts of violence are tolerated in Hong Kong and all persons here are under the protection of our laws, law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. The conviction of the former employer of a foreign domestic helper in 2015 has testified to the effectiveness of our law enforcement regime in protecting the rights of helpers.
"Human trafficking is not tolerated in Hong Kong. We will continue to be vigilant and collaborate closely with overseas law enforcement agencies in the fight against human trafficking," the spokesman added.
Ends/Monday, July 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:55
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