Press Release

Release of 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report

June 4, 2008

Today the State Department released the 2008 Trafficking in Persons(TIP) Report, which covers the period from March 2007 to March 2008.  The report evaluates over 150 countries around the world and ranks them as Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 countries, depending on the countries’ compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. Objective criteria are used to evaluate each country on its merits. The entire report is available online at www.state.gov/g/tip and the section regarding Macedonia can be found on the Embassy website (TIP Report on Macedonia). 

This year’s report designates Macedonia as a Tier 1 country, meaning the government fully complied with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking during the reporting period.  The report specifically cites the government’s improved capacity to identify, protect and provide service to victims.  It also recognizes aggressive prosecution of trafficking cases and new TIP related criminal categories with stricter penalties. 

The report recommends additional efforts in victim protection and assistance, specifically calling for further funding for shelters and nongovernmental organizations providing victim services.  In addition, it encourages the Government of Macedonia to continue with the vigorous prosecution of traffickers using newly approved legislation and to expand demand reduction campaigns to educate clients of the sex trade about the horrendous crime of trafficking.

Text of Special Briefing by Secretary Rice and Ambassador Lagon