Jornal “Va Kio” - Overview on Macao Law
Victim: Help Me Out!

2008.07.04 News

Most of the human trafficking crimes are initiated by the inveiglements of relatives or friends of the victims. They often set up the trap by saying having a chance to work overseas is a great opportunity. When victims arrive in the country full of hope, then they realize the painful truth of being trafficked. Most of the victims would be changed hands several times and being sold to somewhere afar. They do not know the place where they are located in; neither do they know the language of the place. It is impossible for them to escape or ask for help, and hence makes it easier for traffickers to control them. At the same time, whether victims enter a country by legal or illegal means, traffickers will confiscate their passports and identification documents. Traffickers will warn the victims that they will be arrested for overstay or illegal entrance if they call the police. Under such a condition, sufferers are scared to approach the police for assistance.

If the victims of trafficking are not locals, will they be sent back to their home country after the case was reported to the police?
Victims of trafficking are not criminals. They shall receive help from the Macao SAR government. Even though they are not locals, they are still eligible to stay in Macao throughout the legal proceedings (e.g. prosecution) of the crime. The authority in charge shall acknowledge the embassy and/or consulate of the victim’s country or region of origin about the trafficking case.

If victims do not understand Chinese or Portuguese, corresponding translator(s) shall be appointed to assist them during the entire prosecution process. If victims have economic difficulties; gratuitous financial aid is provided, the necessary fare for them to return to their countries or origin in particular, shall be provided by Society Affair Bureau.

Victims of trafficking often are being intimidated by doing harm to their families if they inform the police, and thus they dare not to ask for help of any sort. What measures can the government take to secure the safety of victims?
The government has set up a confidential and gratuitous victim protection scheme in accordance with the needs of victims, which aims to ensure them a safe temporary shelter and to secure their physical security.

The Law of “Combating the Crime of Trafficking in Persons” keeps victims anonymous to protect their identity from being exposed to the public. The prosecution and administrative procedures of trafficking cases shall also be conducted in strict confidentiality. The trial shall not be opened to the public. Media and the press, whether before or after the hearing, shall not reveal the identity of victims by any means.

If the physical security of victims or their family is jeopardized, the judiciary authority, the criminal police department and other related parties shall; in accordance with the situation, quickly take all the appropriate measures to ensure victims are protected and assisted. If the victim is a non-Macao resident, the government shall launch necessary cooperation mechanisms to provide corresponding protection and assistance in the victim’s country or region of origin.

The victim is physically injured when he/she is saved but unable to afford medical treatment. Will the government support the victim?
Victims of human trafficking crimes – locals or foreigners – are subjected to gratuitous psychological and medical treatment as well as medication provided by Health Bureau of Macao SAR government.

If the victim does not want to report to the police, is there any organization which they can get in touch with?
Consider that victims might have some reasons which makes them unwilling to approach the police, the Social Affair Bureau and the Women’s General Association of Macao established “24-hour Report and Assistance Hotline for Combating Human Trafficking” to support the victims. When necessarily, the two bodies shall provide asylum service to victims and assist them to seek help from the police.

24-hour Helpline 2888 9922

24-hour Report Human Trafficking Hotline 2888 9911

(Note: With reference to Article 4, 6 & 7, Law of Combat the Crime of Trafficking in Persons.)

(Please send your comment to Rua do Campo, nº 162, Edifício “Administração Pública", 17º andar, Macau or email us at 9872233@dsaj.gov.mo with your name and address stated.）

(Source by DSAJ)

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