Since 2001, the United States government has issued annual reports on the situation of human trafficking in every other country deemed to have a significant problem in this area. This article focuses on the standards used in assessing the response of States to trafficking. It notes that international law already provides detailed and substantive guidance on the obligations of States in this area. Using Lao PDR as an example, the article demonstrates that the application of these international standards yields a far better result: one that is legally sound as well as more accurate, more nuanced and more likely to induce real and lasting change.
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