About a month ago, we presented a snapshot of human trafficking in China. There is yet again more to share on this topic – this time it appears to be pro-active efforts by the Chinese government against human trafficking.
On July 27, 2011, the PRC Ministry of Public Security reported on its official website that 89 trafficked children were rescued and 369 suspects arrested after uncovering two child trafficking rings. Among these victims, the youngest was only 10 days, while the oldest was 4. The government raids were carried out in 14 provinces throughout the country.
If the PRC continues with this pro-active stance against trafficking, it may have a chance at improving its status in the eyes of the US government. The 2011 US State Dept Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) released in June 2011, provides a comprehensive picture of the trafficking status quo in China and, once again, places China on the Tier 2 Watch List, stating that “[t]he Government of the People’s Republic of China does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.” Furthermore, it reports that “[t]he government did not demonstrate evidence of significant efforts to address all forms of trafficking or effectively protect victims.” The report, however, does acknowledge some progress on the anti-human trafficking front: “The government (…) increased cooperation with foreign governments on alien smuggling and trafficking, particularly with those bordering China, as well as with South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and the DRC.” This is an important area of improvement, considering China is a source of trafficking victims, as reflected in the Ministry of Public Security report, where one of the two trafficking rings sold children in Vietnam.
There is still much room for the Chinese government to improve its efforts against human trafficking. With the enactment of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (SB 657), there is some anticipation that brands operating in California and sourcing from China will enhance their supply chain management to address the risks of human trafficking, by placing more requirements on suppliers/ vendors and engaging in more due diligence.
STR RS is rolling out its SB 657 seminar series in Shanghai and Hong Kong to assist Chinese vendors and suppliers in better understanding the Act and how it can impact their business. Check out our website for more information.
