On June 15, the U.S. Department of State released the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, an annual report that highlights the progress and setbacks in addressing human trafficking across the globe. This year’s report acknowledged the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (GDRC) to address trafficking in persons in 2022 and upgraded the country to Tier 2. These efforts included:
- Promulgating a new anti-trafficking law
- Increasing trafficking investigations and prosecutions
- Implementing case management SOPs and trainings for front-line workers
While the GDRC’s efforts were substantial in 2022, the United States calls on the government to devote more resources to prosecuting perpetrators, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking in order to meet the minimum standards for progress towards the elimination of trafficking. The GDRC and its partners must capitalize on the gains of the previous year and fully implement the new anti-trafficking law. The United States remains committed to fighting human trafficking and ending modern slavery.
