A
national plan to fight human trafficking in Singapore and overseas will be
ready next year, Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran said yesterday.
It is being worked out by an inter-agency task
force that was formed last year to combat what he described as "a threat
to Singapore's security as well as its economic and social fabric".
Singapore, he said, is an attractive hub of
economic activity which sees many people passing through. As a result, it is no
less vulnerable than other countries and "would be seen as an attractive
destination country by human trafficking syndicates".
Mr Iswaran, in his reply to Mr Christopher De
Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), also spelt out how Singapore will tackle human
trafficking.
The goal is to bring down the number of
trafficking cases and reduce opportunities for traffickers to exploit victims,
he said.
The Home Affairs Ministry told The Straits
Times that 50 alleged sex trafficking cases were investigated by the police
last year, and seven led to arrests and prosecutions. This was an increase from
32 cases investigated and two prosecutions in 2009. Mr Iswaran, who is also
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Trade and
Industry, laid out a four-pronged plan that the Government will pursue to
prevent trafficking, protect victims, prosecute offenders, and work in
partnership with foreign countries and non-governmental organisations.
To prevent trafficking, the Government will
step up enforcement and immigration checks; press for deterrent sentences when
traffickers are charged; and publicise the court cases to send a strong message
of deterrence.
Victims will receive more attention too. Mr
Iswaran said the task force "is looking at ways to improve the victim care
and support programmes".
The minister did not close the door on new
legislation.
He said: "The task force is examining
whether new legislation is required to enhance our ability to fight human
trafficking. They will consider, among others, whether enhancements to
enforcement powers, increased victim care provisions and harsher sentences are
needed."
Singapore does not have a specific human
trafficking law, but the Penal Code and Women's Charter criminalise various
aspects of sex trafficking, while the Children and Young Persons Act
specifically prohibits trafficking in children.
Mr Iswaran stressed that collaboration with
foreign countries and non-governmental organisations is key to ensuring that
"human traffickers are pursued even across borders and legal
jurisdictions".
In this respect, the Interpol Global Complex,
which is being set up in Singapore, will be "an important asset to
us", he added.
The complex, when ready in 2013, will beef up
the crime-fighting efforts of the international police organisation in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Since 2004, Singapore has been criticised by
the United States in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.
But the Singapore Government has disputed the
accuracy of some findings in the report.
Last year, the US downgraded Singapore to a
watch list of countries which it said did not comply fully with minimum
international standards to eliminate trafficking.
This year, Singapore was taken off the watch
list.
And yesterday, Mr Iswaran pledged to
"remain fully committed to taking the necessary steps, both in the short
term and long term, to fight this exploitative crime and bring the perpetrators
to task".
Toh Yong Chuan
The Straits Times
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment