Papua New Guinea is being commended for its efforts to crack down on human trafficking.
Photo: Copyright: rafaelbenari / 123RF Stock Photo
The 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report from the US government provides an updated global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons and the broad range of government actions around the world to confront and eliminate it.
PNG has moved off the worst category, after brought in anti-trafficking provisions and established a new training programme for frontline officials.
In the past year, an anti-trafficking committee and national plan of action was also drafted.
The head of the International Organisation for Migration in PNG, Lance Bonneau, commended the government and says officials are also dealing with significant challenges, such as PNG's diverse cultures and geographical spread.
"It's certainly something that can be addressed and they've taken approaches to get out to the provincial levels and the fact they are trying to look at improved training curriculums for frontline officials, wherever they may be, will be a very positive step."
