2020 Trafficking in Persons report released

The Department of State released the 2020 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report in June of this year. The TIP report acts is a comprehensive assessment of efforts to combat human trafficking in the U.S. and around the world. This edition of the TIP report also looks back at the evolution of the TIP report over the past twenty years, and acknowledges the effect the global pandemic will likely have on the trafficking of human beings.

In his introductory message of the 2020 TIP Report, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, trafficking in persons has “reached previously unimagined proportions.” According to Pompeo, the pandemic has “magnified the need for all stakeholders to work together in the fight more than ever.” Pompeo went on to voice concerns that the ripple effects of the pandemic will leave an unprecedented number of people vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons John Cotton Richmond echoed Pompeo’s concerns. “Now, more than ever, we must collectively commit to stopping human traffickers and protecting victims. We will not be deterred from dismantling this crime down to its very foundations and ensuring the protection of future generations,” said Richmond. Richmond also noted that traffickers are taking advantage of the chaos caused by COVID-19, and that “The ratio between risk and reward is expanding in their favor.”

However, despite the bleak outlook, both Pompeo and Richmond asserted that communities across the globe will continue to band together to fight trafficking. “Despite the schemes of traffickers, the reality is this: governments across the world, survivors, NGOs, faith communities, and advocates are still at work… Hope lies ahead,” said Richmond.

For more information about the TIP Report, please follow the links below.
Trafficking in Persons Report 2020 – Complete Report, State Department
Trafficking in Persons Report, State Department


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