Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - China - Macau Special Administrative Region (Ratification: 1999)

Articles 1(1) and 2(1) of the Convention. Trafficking in persons.  In its previous reports, the Committee had noted the adoption of Act No. 6/2008 on combating trafficking in persons and which introduced section 153-A in the Penal Code, providing for a precise definition of the crime of trafficking in persons. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the enforcement of the new Act, as well as indications on any studies that have been carried out on the characteristics of trafficking in Macau. Finally, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to prevent trafficking.

The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its report as regards the activities carried out aiming at preventing the trafficking in persons, in particular the increase on awareness-raising campaigns through different media, including the establishment of a new Government’s website aimed at informing the general public on the work of the committee responsible for preventing and combating trafficking in persons.

As regards the measures taken to improve victims’ protection, the Government indicated, in particular, the establishment of a shelter service run by the Social Welfare Bureau, operating since July 2008, and the launching of a “trafficking helpline” aimed at providing counselling, emotional support, introduction to social services and service reference, especially for female victims of trafficking. The Government also indicates that cooperation agreements concerning the repatriation of victims have been signed with the corresponding departments of Mainland China and that the Government is seeking to enhance cooperation with social actors and organizations outside the Macau Special Administrative Region. It also indicates that, in the first semester of 2010, a mission to Japan was organized by the Government, with the main objective of exchanging experiences on the measures taken by the various regional governments in combating trafficking and protecting victims, and that a cooperation agreement on combating human trafficking is currently under negotiation with the Government of Mongolia.

The Government also provides information on the future activities of the committee responsible for monitoring measures aimed at preventing trafficking in persons, in particular the conclusion, expected by the end of 2010, of specific studies on the social aspects of trafficking. The Committee is also currently working on the analysis of the available information and the determination of follow-up action with a view to make recommendations to the competent authorities and monitor the activities carried out by the agencies concerned. The Government adds that a five-year action plan will be prepared by the committee, covering the major areas of prevention, victims’ protection and criminal investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases.

In relation to Law No. 6/2008 and the new section 153-A of the Penal Code, the Government refers to the first court decision concerning the crime of human trafficking, and indicates that the relevant measures will be taken relentlessly to ensure the implementation of the Law. Noting the detailed information provided by the Government, which evidences its commitment to combat trafficking, the Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information, in particular on the application in practice of Act No. 6/2008, providing copies of further Court decisions concerning trafficking in persons, as well as information on any difficulties encountered by the competent authorities in identifying victims and in initiating legal proceedings. Please also provide information on the activities carried out by the committee responsible for monitoring measures aimed at preventing the trafficking in persons, including updated information on the outcomes of the studies on the characteristics of trafficking in persons in Macau, as well as on the five-year action plan to be prepared.