U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Lithuania
- Author: Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
- Document source:
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Date:
12 July 2001
Lithuania (Tier 2)
Lithuania is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking in persons, primarily women who are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation. Lithuanian women are trafficked to Western Europe (including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Austria) and the Middle East (including Israel and the United Arab Emirates). Trafficking also occurs within Lithuania.
The Government of Lithuania does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts to address the problem despite resource constraints and reports of corruption among customs and border guards. The Criminal Code specifically prohibits trafficking in persons. The penalty for trafficking is commensurate with the penalties for rape or sexual assault. The Government investigates cases of trafficking; however, there have not yet been any prosecutions. The Government provides limited funding for trafficking prevention and victim's rehabilitation programs; however, some NGO's report that government cooperation is marginal, and the NGO's receive little assistance from local welfare services to assist trafficked victims. Trafficked victims do have access to free medical care. There is no established practice of providing temporary residence for trafficked victims, although it occasionally is granted. Government agencies encourage victims to seek legal action against the traffickers. Government officials respect the rights of trafficked victims.
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