Tier Rankings in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Testimony of US Conference of Catholic Bishops
In April 2014 Nathan Lummert, Director Special Programs Migration and Refugee Services/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops gave testimony before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on Effective Accountability: Tier Rankings in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.
Lummert indicates that the Trafficking in Persons Report has been used as a diplomatic tool to pressure foreign governments into action and is also considered an international trafficking indicator. He states ‘the “open threat” of a negative grade on the TIP Report has provided nations with impetus for national reforms, including the criminalization of trafficking and the opening of shelters and other victim assistance centers.’ In addition Lummert provides a number of recommendations for the continued advancement of the TIP Report such as more focus on stateless persons, refugee populations, and persons at sea. Download a copy of the testimony here.