Human Trafficking in [Micronesia] [other countries]
Street Children in [Micronesia] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Micronesia] [other countries]
 

Human Trafficking & Modern-day Slavery

In the early years of the 21st Century - 2000 to 2010 gvnet.com/humantrafficking/Micronesia.htm

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder development. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the current slow growth of the private sector. [The World Factbook, U.S.C.I.A. 2009]

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a source country for some women trafficked to Guam for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation, and possibly a destination for women from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation. The FSM may be a destination country for a few men and women from other Pacific nations trafficked for the purpose of forced labor. - U.S. State Dept Trafficking in Persons Report, June, 2009 [full country report]

CAUTION:  The following links have been culled from the web to illuminate the situation in Micronesia. Some of these links may lead to websites that present allegations that are unsubstantiated or even false.  No attempt has been made to validate their authenticity or to verify their content.

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Human Rights Reports » 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

U.S. Dept of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, February 25, 2009

www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119048.htm

[accessed 21 February 2011]

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS – National and state laws do not specifically prohibit trafficking in persons. During the year a court in Guam convicted the owners of a local bar and their Chuukese accomplices for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and enticement to travel for the purpose of prostitution. The bar owners admitted that they had recruited at least nine women from Chuuk to work as prostitutes from 2005 to 2007. Most local law enforcement officials believed that the case was isolated, reflecting economic problems in Chuuk, and that trafficking was not endemic in the country.

SECTION 6 WORKER RIGHTS – [e] Working conditions aboard some Chinese-owned fishing vessels operating in the country's waters were very poor. Crewmen reported a high incidence of injuries, beatings by officers, and nonpayment of salary.

The Protection Project - Micronesia [DOC]

The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), The Johns Hopkins University

www.protectionproject.org/human_rights_reports/report_documents/micronesia.doc

[accessed 2009]

TRAFFICKING ROUTES - Little information is available on trafficking in persons in the Federated States of Micronesia.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSES - There is no legislation specifically dealing with trafficking. Other general provisions may be applied to instances of trafficking, however. For example, the constitution states that slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited except to punish crime. The removal or confinement of any child younger than 14 by force, deception, or threat without his or her parents’ consent is prohibited.

Children's Rights Committee Concludes Consideration of Report of Micronesia

United Nations Press Release, HR/CRC/98/11, 14 January 1998

www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/0/C43152CC0A25928EC125662E00352F15?opendocument

[accessed 21 February 2011]

A question was asked if cases of abducted children were common in Micronesia. The delegate affirmed that there were no known incidents of abduction or sale of children in the country. Because of the smallness of the islands and the scarcity of the population, it was difficult to carry out such acts, she added.

Freedom House Country Report - Political Rights: 1 Civil Liberties: 1 Status: Free

2009 Edition

www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=363&year=2009&country=7662

[accessed 21 February 2011]

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Human Trafficking in [Micronesia] [other countries]
Street Children in [Micronesia] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Micronesia] [other countries]