Human trafficking: US downgrades China over record: VIDEO

Human trafficking: US downgrades China over record

6 hours ago

Zhang Qingqing's family told her she was bought as a baby

VIDEO

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40422568

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China "is not making significant efforts" to stop human trafficking, the US says, claiming that fewer people are now being prosecuted than before.

The US Department of State released its annual Trafficking in Persons Report on Thursday, and downgraded China to one of the worst offenders.

The reports highlights the treatment of North Koreans who may have been trafficked and then sent home by China.

There has been no response from China, which could now face sanctions.

Countries placed in the third tier of three in the report - including North Korea, Sudan and Venezuela - can lose non-humanitarian aid. But Associated Press reports that presidential waivers mean Tier Three countries do not always get punished.

Afghanistan, Qatar and Malaysia were upgraded to Tier Two as they were seen to be making efforts to crack down on the practice, and improve conditions for those who have been trafficked.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said China was downgraded "in part because it has not taken serious steps to end its own complicity in trafficking, including forced labourers from North Korea that are located in China".

Too often, the report says, China sends North Koreans home without having screened them for signs of human trafficking - even though they could face torture or execution on their return.

Mr Tillerson said an estimated 50-80,000 North Koreans were working overseas in forced labour, often up to 20 hours a day.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40422568

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