U.S. Department of State 2003 Trafficking in Persons Report - Bolivia

Bolivia (Tier 2)

Bolivia is a source country for trafficking in men, women and children for forced labor and sexual exploitation. Bolivians are trafficked to Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Spain. Faced with extreme poverty, many Bolivians are economic migrants, and some are victimized by traffickers as they move from rural areas to cities and then abroad. In particular, Bolivian children are trafficked internally, often exploited in slave-like labor conditions in mines, in domestic servitude, and in agriculture. Because of its weak controls along its extensive five borders, Bolivia is also a transit country for third country illegal migrants, some of who may be trafficked.

The Government of Bolivia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so despite limited resources. Some officials are aware that trafficking occurs, and the Government of Bolivia has taken modest steps within its limited capacity to address the problem despite political unrest that has hindered its effectiveness. Expanded measures by the government to lessen the vulnerability of children to trafficking and the continued removal of officials who are suspected of facilitating the illegal movement of persons will help strengthen Bolivia's anti-trafficking efforts.

Prevention

The government does not promote educational measures that address trafficking, but there is an ombudsman who conducts informational campaigns on the rights of children and women. The government has an interagency committee to address the trafficking of adolescents, but it has yet to produce a plan of action, although Congress is considering legislation. The government, in conjunction with UNICEF, has begun a program to provide free birth and identity documents to thousands of undocumented citizens, a measure that should reduce their vulnerability to being trafficked.

Prosecution

There is a law prohibiting trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation, and some arrests have been carried out under this statute; however, there is no information available on convictions of traffickers. Corruption of public officials is a serious problem. The government removed a number of immigration officials on suspicions of corruption, but further government action will be necessary to curb this practice. Officials throughout the government are known to take bribes to facilitate smuggling and the illegal movement of people. The government has taken measures to reduce corruption among judicial officials who authorize the travel of children; this is a positive step.

Protection

The government and international donors have programs designed to empower women economically and help keep children in school. The government recognizes that ongoing child labor problems may include trafficking abuses and is seeking foreign donors to help finance a national 10-year plan to eliminate child labor, but the plan so far has received little funding. The government provides no shelters for victims.