Press Releases 04~05

U.S. Praises ROK Efforts to Fight Trafficking In Persons

November 9, 2004

United States Ambassador at Large John R. Miller, appointed by President Bush to coordinate U.S. efforts to fight trafficking in persons, before leaving the Republic of Korea on November 7 after a three-day visit, released the following statement:

"The U.S. Government, our President and Congress want to praise the efforts of the Republic of Korea to combat modern-day slavery.

"The new laws passed by the National Assembly, which the Government is starting to enforce, are pioneering efforts to get at the demand side of the sex trafficking part of modern-day slavery. The efforts of the government to restrict the use of the notorious entertainer visas, which are used to bring foreigners into slavery, are also commendable.

"Of course, all countries in the world, including the United States and the Republic of Korea, must do more. With the new laws, challenges remain:

1. To effectively help and retrain victims
2. To prosecute, along with the customers of prostitution, leading
organized crime figures responsible for the slave trade; and
3. To focus on employment centers which allegedly act as agents for the sex traffickers

"Nonetheless, a great and positive start has been made. The Republic of Korea is now being watched all over the world by citizens, NGOs and governments. You have taken on a leadership role in fighting the emerging human rights issue of the 21st century. If you follow through on this task, when the history of 21st century slavery is written, the citizens and former victims of many nations will be in your debt."

Ambassador Miller spent his three days here meeting with survivors of the sex trade, nongovernmental organizations involved in helping survivors and passing the new laws, and governmental officials charged with enforcement.

The Ambassador stated that "the Government of the United States wishes to be as supportive as possible in carrying out the new anti-trafficking in persons policies. That will include the full cooperation and support of U.S. Military Forces in the Republic of Korea."