U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Latvia
- Author: Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
- Document source:
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Date:
5 June 2002
Latvia (Tier 2)
Latvia is a source and transit country for women and girls trafficked to the Nordic countries and Western Europe for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
The Government of Latvia does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Latvia does not have a comprehensive law against trafficking in persons, but does outlaw trafficking for sexual exploitation. Police anti-trafficking activity has increased, and more cases were investigated in 2001 than in previous years. None of the trafficking cases have gone to trial, although some of the alleged traffickers remain incarcerated. Police have attended training programs on how to investigate trafficking cases, including classes held in Norway and Sweden, and have sponsored a seminar on fighting prostitution, which included trafficking information. There are few trafficking victim protection or assistance programs to help protect victims in Latvia. A local government funds a shelter that serves victims of child abuse. To prevent trafficking, there is considerable activity warning parents and potential victims about trafficking, although such activity is conducted by NGOs rather than the government.
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