Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Michael Klosson

U.S. Consul General Praises Work of Hong Kong Police in Battling Migrant Smuggling Problem

December 11, 2000

U.S. Consul General Michael Klosson called Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-On today to congratulate the Hong Kong police for their success in apprehending the illegal migrants found yesterday in a U.S.-bound shipping container and in arresting the persons suspected of organizing the smuggling operation.

"This is yet another example of the good law enforcement work being done by the Hong Kong authorities to deal with the issue of human smuggling," Consul General Klosson said, noting that Hong Kong authorities had also successfully intercepted a group of illegal migrants in October. "We are pleased that Hong Kong is continuing its strenuous efforts to crack down on this deplorable trade in human beings, and it is clear that these efforts are bearing fruit."

Mr. Klosson stressed that Hong Kong is not alone in facing this problem. "As we have noted in the past, human trafficking is a global problem that needs to be fought at every step of the way through pro-active and determined law enforcement work in each jurisdiction coupled with swift, seamless international cooperation," he said.

The Consul General also cautioned against any assumption that the problem has been solved, or can be solved easily. "We all know that the criminal gangs who profit from the migrants' desperation will continue to use any means they can to smuggle people across borders," he said. "We appreciate the Hong Kong government's constant vigilance."

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