U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - China

China (Tier 2)

China has an internal trafficking problem and is also a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in women and children. Women and girls are sold as brides and for sexual exploitation. Also, people are forced into labor and debt bondage by international smuggling rings, which move people to Canada, Europe, Japan and the United States to work in sweatshops, restaurants and domestic service. While most trafficking occurs domestically, foreign victims have come from Burma, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam. Chinese victims are trafficked to Australia, Burma, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam.

The government does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. China has a law against trafficking in women and vigorously investigates and prosecutes traffickers. The police maintain a national database of abducted and rescued people, and a DNA databank to facilitate the return of abducted children to their families. Police have received training from an international organization on victim assistance and have participated in Interpol investigations, however cooperation with foreign governments on investigations could be enhanced. The government provides limited protection for victims, primarily for domestically trafficked women, including temporary shelter and returning them to their homes. Two pilot "transit centers" offer broad services to victims including legal aid, counseling, and vocational training. The government conducts various prevention campaigns such as public awareness of trafficking; poverty alleviation; and programs to keep girls in school and foster economic opportunities for women. An international organization is helping China to develop a national action plan to combat trafficking.

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