Taiwan maintained its Tier 1 status in the U.S. State Department 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report for the 17th year running, reflecting global recognition of government protection of human rights, the Ministry of the Interior said Oct. 9.
Among the 188 countries and territories assessed in the report, Taiwan is one of only five Tier 1 nations in the Asia-Pacific, along with Australia, Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines. Japan remains in Tier 2, while Hong Kong is downgraded to Tier 3 and China is still in Tier 3.
According to the report released Oct. 8, Taiwan authorities continued to demonstrate serious and sustained results in eliminating human trafficking during the reporting period. Examples presented in the report include investigating, prosecuting and convicting more traffickers; identifying more victims; and amending regulations to better protect non-Taiwanese crews of distant water fishing fleets.
The report proposed eight recommendations for Taiwan, spanning labor law reform to allow migrant workers to change jobs mid-contract without employer approval; better identifying victims among those more vulnerable to human trafficking; and enhancing training and collaboration among relevant agencies.
MOI Minister Liu Shyh-fang said human trafficking is a cross-border crime and a grave infringement on human rights. The report’s positive review reflects the success of the government's human rights protection strategy that centers around the four domains of prosecution, protection, prevention and partnership, she added.
Liu said the government attaches great importance to this annual report. The MOI will work with related ministries and agencies to swiftly propose a 2027-2028 anti-exploitation action plan to address issues contained in the DOS report, the minister added. (SFC-E)
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Among the 188 countries and territories assessed in the report, Taiwan is one of only five Tier 1 nations in the Asia-Pacific, along with Australia, Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines. Japan remains in Tier 2, while Hong Kong is downgraded to Tier 3 and China is still in Tier 3.
According to the report released Oct. 8, Taiwan authorities continued to demonstrate serious and sustained results in eliminating human trafficking during the reporting period. Examples presented in the report include investigating, prosecuting and convicting more traffickers; identifying more victims; and amending regulations to better protect non-Taiwanese crews of distant water fishing fleets.
The report proposed eight recommendations for Taiwan, spanning labor law reform to allow migrant workers to change jobs mid-contract without employer approval; better identifying victims among those more vulnerable to human trafficking; and enhancing training and collaboration among relevant agencies.
MOI Minister Liu Shyh-fang said human trafficking is a cross-border crime and a grave infringement on human rights. The report’s positive review reflects the success of the government's human rights protection strategy that centers around the four domains of prosecution, protection, prevention and partnership, she added.
Liu said the government attaches great importance to this annual report. The MOI will work with related ministries and agencies to swiftly propose a 2027-2028 anti-exploitation action plan to address issues contained in the DOS report, the minister added. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
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