The local government has lambasted an “untrue” report by the US on alleged trafficking in persons in Macau.
According to a statement by the Macau government on Friday, the report’s “untrue” conclusions are based on “unfounded” allegations and a “baneful” interpretation of the situation in Macau.
The statement said that the government “does not accept” the US report because of its “unfounded” and “unfair” conclusions concerning alleged human trafficking, labour exploration, child sex tourism and illicit activities by civil servants.
The statement insists that the government “does not tolerate human trafficking, nor any other types of exploration”.
The 2016 report by the US Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, which was posted on the US Consulate-General’s website on Friday, describes Macau as “a transit territory for women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour”.
The report alleges “children are reportedly subjected to sex trafficking in connection with the gambling and entertainment industry in Macau”.
The report also claims that “the government of Macau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.”
The report urges the government to “increase efforts to investigate, prosecute and convict sex and labour traffickers.” It also calls for a minimum wage for non-resident workers.
(Macau News / The Macau Post Daily)
