U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - El Salvador
- Author: Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
- Document source:
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Date:
12 July 2001
El Salvador (Tier 2)
El Salvador is a source and transit country for trafficking in persons, primarily women and girls, who are trafficked to Guatemala and other Central American countries. Trafficking also occurs within the country. The majority of trafficked victims transiting El Salvador are from Nicaragua, Honduras, and South America.
The Government of El Salvador does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts despite resource constraints. The Criminal Code specifically prohibits trafficking in persons. The penalty for trafficking is comparable to the penalties for rape and forcible sexual assault. The Government has not prosecuted cases against traffickers, in part because the law is new, and also due to a lack of resources. However, the Government has created special units to investigate and prosecute cases of violence against women and children, including trafficking. The Government deports non-Salvadoran victims of trafficking; however, victims can obtain temporary residency or refugee status if they are likely to face political persecution in the country of origin. Victims of trafficking are not treated as criminals. The Government does not provide assistance to its repatriated citizens who are victims of trafficking, nor does it support the NGO's that assist them. The Government maintains a good working relationship with NGO's.
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