U.S. and Macau (2008)

U.S. Department of State

Trafficking in Persons Interim Assessment

Released by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
February 28, 2008

Trafficking in Persons Interim Assessment

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EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

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Macau

The authorities of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) have made modest progress in efforts to address trafficking in persons since the release of the June 2007 TIP Report. Under the direction of the Chief Executive of the MSAR, officials began drafting revisions to the MSAR's criminal code that would eliminate significant deficiencies in the law's coverage of trafficking in persons crimes. These revisions have not been presented to the MSAR's legislative assembly, however. The MSAR government showed greater awareness of the trafficking problem facing Macau, with senior officials making a few public statements on the dangers of trafficking and the need for greater measures to confront it.

The Chief Executive also established an interagency committee to deal with trafficking issues, though the committee has not established any tangible programs. The Macau government did not make progress in investigating and prosecuting trafficking offenses. Although the government studied ways to improve the handling of cases involving violence against women, it has not yet instituted a systematic approach towards identifying and protecting victims of trafficking. Moreover, no tangible steps were taken towards dedicating resources for the sheltering or counseling of trafficking victims.

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