Earlier today, the U.S. Department of State released its 2021 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report – the 21st installment of this annual publication. As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the TIP Report assesses government efforts around the world to combat human trafficking and highlights recommended strategies to tackle this crime and protect victims.
For the first time, the report warns of the dangers of systemic racism and acknowledges that discriminatory policies perpetuate human trafficking.
This year’s Trafficking in Persons Report sends a strong message to the world that global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and enduring discriminatory policies and practices, have a disproportionate effect on individuals already oppressed by other injustices. These challenges further compound existing vulnerabilities to exploitation, including human trafficking. We must break this inhumane cycle of discrimination and injustices if we hope to one day eliminate human trafficking, says Antony Blinken (Secretary of State).

The Trafficking in Persons Report can be downloaded here.