THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TOOK NOTE OF THE CHAPTER ON ROMANIA IN THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNUAL REPORT ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs took note of the “ Romania ” chapter in the US Department of State annual report on human trafficking, released on June 5 th , 2006 .

The current sixth edition of the report extensively analyzes the procedures implemented at global level during 2005 in order to prevent and fight against human trafficking.

Romania is included in the second group of countries ( Tier II ) which made significant efforts to prevent and fight against human trafficking, and should continue to be actively engaged in meeting the minimal standards for eliminating human trafficking.

The chapter on Romania shows a sequence of progresses achieved during 2005, out of which: creating the National Agency for Prevention of Human Trafficking and Victims' Protection, the growing number of court sentences, the efficiency proved in fighting corruption within the police forces, strengthening the preventive activities, and opening new facilities for victims' protection.

The report also underlines the need to continue efforts in prevention of human trafficking and establishment of an efficient system of victims' protection.

The deficient aspects to which the report calls attention are top priorities for the Romanian Government in order to prevent and fight against human trafficking.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the support granted by the US Administration in Washington , as well as the constructive cooperation between officials at the US Embassy in Bucharest and Romanian authorities, in the context of our country's efforts to meet international standards of prevention and fight against human trafficking.

Communication Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania