2006 Press Releases

Slovakia Praised for Progress in Combating Trafficking in Persons

Bratislava, February 9, 2006

An interim progress report submitted by the U.S. Department of State to Congress praises Slovakia's "considerable political will and progress in combating trafficking in persons" since its placement on the "Special Watch List" last June.

The report cited Slovakia's creation of a National Coordinating Expert Working Group in April 2005, and the appointment in October of a national coordinator for the fight against trafficking in persons. According to the progress report, Slovakia has shown dedication to increasing its victim assistance network, acquiring additional equipment and training for police, and establishing an improved hotline for trafficking victims. The report also commends Slovakia for its increased outreach and educational efforts, including a media campaign to raise public awareness, and the distribution of informational flyers in police stations and high schools.

The February 1 report, called an "Interim Assessment," evaluates the progress made by countries that are on the "Special Watch List" in addressing key deficiencies that were highlighted in the U.S. State Department's June 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report. The Slovak Republic was included along with 36 other countries on the "Special Watch List" last June because it had not shown evidence of increasing efforts to address trafficking in persons in previous years. That assessment has now changed, with significant progress by the Government of Slovakia. The State Department's full annual report on Trafficking in Persons will be issued later this year.

U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic Rodolphe M. Vallee said that the interim progress report reflects the strong commitment Slovakia has shown to combating trafficking in persons: "Slovakia has demonstrated that it is serious about the struggle to abolish trafficking in persons, and is emerging as a valued partner and role model on this issue within the region," the Ambassador said. "While there remains a lot of work to be done, Slovakia has set a course in the past year which we think will help protect the citizens of Slovakia and other countries from being denied their most basic human rights and falling into this terrible form of modern-day slavery."

More information, including the full text of the Interim Assessment, is available at http://www.state.gov/g/tip