U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Colombia

Colombia (Tier 1)

Colombia is a source country for trafficked persons, especially women and children, to Asia (Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong), Western Europe (the Netherlands and Spain), and the United States. Most victims are young women trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation.

The Government of Colombia meets the minimum standards to combat trafficking in persons despite resource constraints and an inefficient judicial system. A new anti-trafficking law is scheduled to go into effect in July 2001. The new penalty for trafficking is commensurate with the penalty for rape or sexual assault. The Government actively investigates and prosecutes cases of trafficking. Between 1998 and 2000, a special sex crimes unit within the Prosecutor General's office investigated 99 cases of trafficking which resulted in at least 13 convictions using existing statutes. The National Police rescued 115 victims in Colombia and abroad from 1999 to 2000. Government officials with NGO representatives arrange to meet returning victims at the airport. Victims do have access to generally limited government social services. The Government has also instructed its consulates in foreign countries to provide legal and social assistance to victims of trafficking and has contracted 46 legal advisors and 16 social workers to help Colombian victims abroad. The Government participates in anti-trafficking prevention efforts, and works closely with other governments, international organizations, and NGO's.