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A positive assessment of Cyprus' efforts to combat trafficking in persons is recorded in the annual report of the US Department of State
The US Department of State taking into account the serious and continuous efforts made by the competent authorities and agencies of Cyprus to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, as well as the support provided to victims, positively assessed Cyprus in its report for the period April 2022-March 2023, maintaining Cyprus in Tier 1.
The US State Department's report noted, among other positive developments, the identification of more victims, stricter penalties, the victim assistance program, the proactive investigations conducted by the Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, the ongoing and regular training of relevant officials, and the operation of a four-digit hotline and online platform where citizens can anonymously provide or receive information related to trafficking in persons, among other positive developments.
Trafficking in persons is one of the most serious and complex forms of transnational organized crime that grossly affects human rights and human dignity.
The Minister of Justice and Public Order Ms. Anna Koukkidi-Prokopiou stresses: "preventing and combating trafficking in persons, as well as supporting victims, is a priority of this Government. The Office for Combating Trafficking in Persons and all relevant services will continue to evaluate any information or indication and will continue to make every possible effort to identify the victims and perpetrators and bring the perpetrators to justice."
At the same time, Ms. Prokopiou says that the new report of the US Department of State and especially its recommendations will be seriously studied and additional measures will be taken for their implementation, where necessary.
The Minister of Justice and Public Order also conveys the Government's congratulations and thanks to the officials involved in the fight against trafficking in persons, as well as to the NGOs and to every citizen who assists the Government's efforts.
It calls upon all citizens who have suspicions or information that the offence of trafficking in persons is being committed, to immediately inform the Police, anonymously, through the 1497 telephone line or the online platform, so that the competent Office can carry out an investigation.
(MB/EXP)
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