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In response to media enquiries on the "US Trafficking in Persons Report 2011", a Government spokesman said today (June 28) that the Government spares no effort in combating human trafficking.
Responding to Hong Kong being placed in Tier 2, the spokesman reiterated that Hong Kong is neither a destination for human trafficking nor a place of origin for such trafficking.
"Notwithstanding the rare occurrence of human trafficking crimes in Hong Kong, our Police cracked down in 2010 on four trafficking syndicates, with five people convicted and sentenced to imprisonment," the spokesman said.
"Our law enforcement agencies also initiated new measures last year to combat human trafficking, including enhanced training for front-line law enforcers and producing educational pamphlets in several languages to raise public awareness."
In regard to the labour rights of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong, the spokesman stressed that the Government attaches great importance to protecting their rights. "Like local employees, FDHs in Hong Kong are protected by the Employment Ordinance and are entitled to at least one rest day in every period of seven days, in addition to statutory holidays and annual leave. The Government will not tolerate any illegal acts of employers and employment agencies, and will take stringent enforcement and prosecution action against any malpractice," the spokesman said.
On the report's recommendation on amending local law, the spokesman said, "The local legislation already provides a solid framework underpinning our robust efforts to combat human trafficking activities. We do not see any imminent need to amend local laws."
"We will continue collaborating with overseas law enforcement agencies in the fight against human trafficking," the spokesman added.
Ends/Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:51
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