MFA Spokesman's Comments in Response to Media Enquiries on the US Department of State's "Trafficking in Persons Report 2010"

In response to media enquiries on the US Department of State's "Trafficking in Persons Report 2010" released on 14 June 2010 which had downgraded Singapore's ranking from Tier Two last year to Tier Two Watch List this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman said:

"We have read the latest TIP Report. It is rather puzzling because the US has not satisfactorily explained how it had arrived at its conclusions. The Singapore Government is committed to tackling the TIP issue, and our efforts in dealing with this issue have certainly not weakened since last year. We will respond in detail as appropriate in due course.

But let me say that the TIP Report is more a political ritual than an objective study. How, for example, can the US rank itself in Tier One when it is well known that the US has been unable to stem a flood of illegal workers, many of whom are trafficked by organised criminal gangs? It has not been able to cope adequately with the problem and that is among the reasons why immigration is such a hot political issue in the US. The US should perhaps examine its own record more carefully before presuming to pronounce on other countries. Then its reports may be more credible."

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
15 JUNE 2010