Response to the wrong determination regarding Macao by the United States
26-10-2023

Regarding the determination announced by the United States in relation to the situation of the prevention and combat of human trafficking in Macao, the security authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region responds as the following:

The determination by the United States was evidently made under the condition of incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the actual situation of Macao while it was only made according to the previously published so-called Trafficking In Persons Report which its sole purpose was an attempt to misguide international society’s perception and to obliterate the Macao SAR Government’s perennial effort and outcome in preventing and combating human trafficking crimes. This is an overt act of savage interference in the Macao SAR’s internal affairs. The Macao SAR Government and the security authority express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to it.

In fact, the prevention and combat of human trafficking crimes has been effectively carrying out under the support of the Central Government and the coordination of the Macao SAR Government. Macao has never relied on, sought or obtained funding or assistance whatsoever from the United States. The Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee follows the Law No. 6/2008 and internationally recognized strategies to coordinate government bureaus and community stakeholders to implement human trafficking prevention and victim protection measures. The government consistently evaluates and follows up on the progress of the aforementioned measures so that enhancement of related policies can be made timely. Meanwhile, law enforcement has been effectively carrying out under the supervision of the judicial authorities. As a result, human trafficking crime rate has been continuously remaining at low incidence or zero record.

The influence and purpose of the U.S. determination and report obviously exceed the reality of the prevention and combat of human trafficking crimes and they will neither obscure the solid outcome of the Macao SAR Government’s effort nor deter the government’s dedication to eliminate human trafficking and all forms of exploitation. The Macao SAR Government will remain committed to mobilizing every stakeholder to prevent and fight against human trafficking as well as strengthening the solid achievements. The Macao SAR Government will continue to participate in regional and global cooperation so as to protect the safety and legitimate rights of local residents and visitors as well as contributing to the elimination of such international “enemy”.

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