US Releases 2025 Global Trafficking Report Highlighting Widespread Abuses

The U.S. Department of State has released its 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report after a significant delay caused by staffing cuts and lack of key appointments within the department, raising concerns about federal anti-trafficking efforts under President Trump's administration. The report evaluates global and U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking, noting that while some countries like Georgia meet minimum standards and show progress through increased prosecutions and victim support, others like Romania remain on Tier 2 due to ongoing challenges such as government complicity and insufficient victim identification. The U.S. Department of Transportation is actively seeking nominations for its Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking to provide recommendations on combating trafficking within the transportation sector, emphasizing the importance of multi-sector collaboration. Despite advancements, the TIP report highlights persistent issues including child sex trafficking, inadequate victim protection, and the need for improved law enforcement and civil society cooperation worldwide. Congressional oversight and bipartisan pressure have been pivotal in ensuring the report's release and continued focus on anti-trafficking efforts. The report recommends enhanced investigations, victim identification, and legal reforms to strengthen anti-trafficking measures globally and domestically.