2005 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Canada
(See section: Trafficking in Persons)
Although the law prohibits trafficking in persons, there were reports that persons were trafficked to, from, and within the country.
On April 14, Vancouver police brought the first case under IRPA against the owner of a massage parlor who was charged with two counts of human trafficking for bringing women into the country under false pretenses and coercing them into prostitution. The case was pending at year's end.
... During the 12-month period ending in February, authorities charged at least 31 individuals under the criminal code with trafficking-related offenses and obtained 19 convictions.
The country was a destination and a transit point to the United States for women, children, and men trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation, labor, and the drug trade. In its February 2004 assessment, the RCMP indicated that 800 persons were trafficked annually into the country, and 1,500 to 2,200 persons were trafficked from the country to the United States.
More here.
Friday, March 31, 2006
2005 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Ukraine
2005 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Ukraine
(See section: Trafficking In Persons)
The country remained a point of origin for internationally trafficked men, women, and children. The main destinations were Turkey, Russia, West and Central Europe, especially Poland, and the Middle East. ... South Korea, Japan, Nigeria, and Liberia.
Ukraine was also a destination country for individuals trafficked from former Soviet republics and South Asia. ... mothers trafficked their underage children and forced them to beg. There were also reports that both women and men were forced to work in agriculture ... men were mainly trafficked as construction workers and miners. Children who were trafficked across the border or within the country were forced to provide sexual services, engage in unpaid work, or beg. The overwhelming majority of trafficking victims were women, who were used as sex‑workers, housekeepers, seamstresses, and dishwashers. Trafficked women were also used to bear children for infertile couples. ...
... one 1 of every 10 persons knew someone in their community who has been trafficked.
... approximately five to seven million citizens lived and worked abroad, many without legal protection, and were therefore potentially vulnerable to traffickers.
Traffickers used a variety of methods to recruit victims... Traffickers often presented themselves as friends of other friends and deceived the relatives of potential victims. Most of the traffickers were members of organized crime groups.
Corruption in the judiciary and police continued to impede the government's ability to combat trafficking. Local officials reportedly aided organized crime groups involved in trafficking ... local police and border guards received bribes in return for ignoring trafficking.
... investigations of human trafficking revealed abuses of power by governmental officials responsible for issuing passports. ... The low number of prosecutions of government officials for such activities raised questions about whether the government was willing to take serious disciplinary action, especially against high-level officials.
More here.
(See section: Trafficking In Persons)
The country remained a point of origin for internationally trafficked men, women, and children. The main destinations were Turkey, Russia, West and Central Europe, especially Poland, and the Middle East. ... South Korea, Japan, Nigeria, and Liberia.
Ukraine was also a destination country for individuals trafficked from former Soviet republics and South Asia. ... mothers trafficked their underage children and forced them to beg. There were also reports that both women and men were forced to work in agriculture ... men were mainly trafficked as construction workers and miners. Children who were trafficked across the border or within the country were forced to provide sexual services, engage in unpaid work, or beg. The overwhelming majority of trafficking victims were women, who were used as sex‑workers, housekeepers, seamstresses, and dishwashers. Trafficked women were also used to bear children for infertile couples. ...
... one 1 of every 10 persons knew someone in their community who has been trafficked.
... approximately five to seven million citizens lived and worked abroad, many without legal protection, and were therefore potentially vulnerable to traffickers.
Traffickers used a variety of methods to recruit victims... Traffickers often presented themselves as friends of other friends and deceived the relatives of potential victims. Most of the traffickers were members of organized crime groups.
Corruption in the judiciary and police continued to impede the government's ability to combat trafficking. Local officials reportedly aided organized crime groups involved in trafficking ... local police and border guards received bribes in return for ignoring trafficking.
... investigations of human trafficking revealed abuses of power by governmental officials responsible for issuing passports. ... The low number of prosecutions of government officials for such activities raised questions about whether the government was willing to take serious disciplinary action, especially against high-level officials.
More here.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Victor Malarek speech on human trafficking uploaded
Friday, March 17, 2006
Symposium on Canada's response to human trafficking
International Human Rights Program & The Global Anti-Trafficking Working Group presents Ben Perrin, Executive Director of “The Future Group” and U of T Law Alumnus
“Falling Short of the Mark”: Canada’s Inadequate Response in the Fight against Human Trafficking
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
12:15 – 2:00 p.m
Flavelle House – Room FLA
78 Queen's Park
Toronto
The Future Group's international study entitled "Falling Short of the Mark" evaluates the record of various developed countries in protecting victims of human trafficking. Why did Canada get a failing grade? Come and find out at a presentation by the study's main author, and learn about how U of T law students helped out.
In addition, short film “Svetlana’s Journey” will be screened. Winner of the “Best Short Subject” award at the Hollywood Film Festival 2005, it depicts the true story of a young girl who is lured into the sex trade in Bulgaria.
A light lunch will be provided.
More information about The Future Group here.
“Falling Short of the Mark”: Canada’s Inadequate Response in the Fight against Human Trafficking
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
12:15 – 2:00 p.m
Flavelle House – Room FLA
78 Queen's Park
Toronto
The Future Group's international study entitled "Falling Short of the Mark" evaluates the record of various developed countries in protecting victims of human trafficking. Why did Canada get a failing grade? Come and find out at a presentation by the study's main author, and learn about how U of T law students helped out.
In addition, short film “Svetlana’s Journey” will be screened. Winner of the “Best Short Subject” award at the Hollywood Film Festival 2005, it depicts the true story of a young girl who is lured into the sex trade in Bulgaria.
A light lunch will be provided.
More information about The Future Group here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)