QUESTIONS FOR THE RECORD SUBMITTED TOUNDER SECRETARYPAULA DOBRIANSKY BY THE HONORABLE CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THESTATE OFNEWJERSEY AND RESPONSES
Question:
What are you doing to ensure that we are getting all possible information from those closed, repressive societies where information is not accessible?
Answer:
In preparation for the 2002 report, an instruction cable was sent to each post re- questing responses to questions covering relevant items in the legislation. In coun- tries such as Syria, Cuba, and Burma, we have a presence which allows our posts to meet with government officials, local non-governmental organizations (‘‘NGOs’’), where available, and others who work on the trafficking in persons issue. In other countries such as Libya, North Korea, and Iraq our lack of diplomatic presence ham- pers our ability to collect information. Also, in each of these countries, the restric- tions on civil society have limited NGO and press coverage of the trafficking issue generally.
As a follow-up to the hearing, we are contacting posts where we have a presence, urging them to continue collecting information despite the widespread obstacles and restrictions. Also, we are looking at more creative methods of information collection, including consultation with countries that have a diplomatic presence in regions where we lack such presence and work with them to gather information they might have on the subject. Presently, we are establishing a regime for collecting informa- tion from what we have termed ‘‘non-traditional information sources.’’ Such sources could include humanitarian aid workers, faith-based organizations and refugee ad- vocates who have access to vulnerable populations in closed countries. We plan to establish an easy, yet secure, system that taps into existing networks already func- tioning in such countries that have not been, to date, activated on the issue of traf- ficking. We are also looking into providing short, interim updates in between the annual reports that would focus on specific countries.
Question:
What is the number of trafficking victims, abductions and prosecutions in China? Answer:
In response to your question, there were no official estimates last year for the total number of trafficking victims in China, nor specific figures regarding abduc- tions. Chinese authorities claim to have rescued more than 123,000 women and chil- dren from trafficking circumstances in 2000. Those cases led to the total reported arrests of 19,182 persons of whom 11,048 received some form of punishment, includ- ing at least eight death sentences. Additionally, we have information about traf- ficking into China from North Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. UNICEF estimates that 1,000 victims are trafficked annually to China from Vietnam. Lastly, the U.S. Embassy reports that approximately 80 to 100 North Koreans are traf- ficked to China each year.
Question:
What is the number of trafficking victims and the extent of sex tourism in Cuba? Answer:
Regarding Cuba, press reports and information from independent journalists and church groups indicate that sex tourism is extremely common. During Cuba’s so- called ‘‘Special Period’’ which was the economic depression created when Soviet sub- sidies ended, the Cuban regime even appeared to endorse tourists’ solicitation of Cuban prostitutes. Castro actually referred approvingly to the sex trade in a 1992 speech to the National Assembly. However, there are no reliable estimates of the number of trafficking victims in Cuba. Strict governmental control of information and the status of US-Cuba relations further complicate information gathering.
Given the underground nature of trafficking and the fact that many countries are only now focusing on this scourge, the collection of information is often difficult. De- spite this challenge, the Department remains committed to collecting as much infor- mation from as many reliable sources as possible. Here, too, we will consult with other countries with a diplomatic presence to see what information they might have on this issue.
Question:
What is the State Department’s response to concerns that U.S. troops in South Korea are frequenting brothels with trafficking victims while the military police tol- erate this practice?
Answer:
In response to your question concerning allegations that U.S. troops in South Korea are frequenting brothels containing trafficking victims, I understand you re- cently received a letter from the Secretary of the Army, Thomas E. White. I agree with the Pentagon’s assessment of this issue as serious, and support its efforts to review policies and enforcement practices in South Korea. Ambassador Nancy Ely- Raphel, the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, is working with our Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs regarding these concerns, which she will continue to raise with the Department of Defense during our interagency discussions. We also are working closely with the South Korean Government to continue to strengthen efforts to combat trafficking in the region.
In addition, I have spoken with the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Doug- las Feith, about this issue, and we agreed on the need for more systematic engage- ment. He has asked me to meet with senior Pentagon officials, in particular, the heads of each of the services, to discuss the issue and raise awareness.
Question:
What are the possible legislative changes to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (the ‘‘TVPA’’)?
Answer:
We are in the process of compiling suggested additions to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons is working closely with other agencies to compile a comprehensive list that addresses all relevant areas. We will consult with Congress as soon as our review is complete.