WASHINGTON - Lithuania remains a source and transit country for trafficking in persons, a report issued this week by the U.S. Department of State said.
According to the report, arranged by the office to monitor and combat trafficking in persons at the State Department, Lithuania is rated in Tier 1 together with Austria, 13 European Union states, Macedonia, Morocco, Ghana, Taiwan, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea, Colombia, Norway.
According to the study, Lithuania is a source and transit country for women and children trafficked to Germany, Spain, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Poland for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Women are trafficked for sexual exploitation into and through Lithuania from countries such as Ukraine, Russia (Kaliningrad), Belarus and within Lithuania.
The report suggested that Lithuania fully complies with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. The Lithuanian government has demonstrated a strong commitment through increased funding for anti-trafficking efforts and sustained law enforcement activities.
According to the study, to further strengthen anti-trafficking efforts, the government should establish formal screening and referral mechanisms to ensure that victims receive adequate assistance services and ensure that police and social workers remain vigilant in identifying and addressing the needs of trafficked individuals as victims.
