According to this United States (U.S.) Department of State's TIP Report, Singapore was listed as a "Tier 2" country when it comes to human trafficking. "Tier 2" countries include governments that are making some effort to eliminate the numbers of women and children trafficked, yet more improvements are needed.The report looks at prosecution of traffickers, protection and prevention of TIP victims. "While Singapore has made progress in combating trafficking to date, it can and should do more to investigate and prevent trafficking and to identify and assist trafficking victims," stated the TIP Report. In addition, Singapore has yet to ratify the 2000 United Nations (UN) TIP Protocol.
Ministry of Home Affairs Response to Previous Report
The Ministry of Home Affairs has not commented on the 2009 TIP Report. However, on July 21, 2008 the Minister for Home Affairs, Wong Kan Seng, disagreed with a similar 2008 TIP Report released by the U.S. Department of State. "It alleges that Singapore is a destination country for women and girls '"trafficked'" for the purpose of labour and commercial sexual exploitation, and alleges that women . . . . who travel to Singapore voluntarily for prostitution or work are subsequently deceived or coerced into sexual servitude. This is a gross distortion of reality."
In addition, the report listed a major concern with Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) and the "significant number" of physical and sexual abuse that occurs. Minister Wong responded that every report of abuse is taken seriously. "This is again a distortion of the realities on the ground," stated Minister Wong. Wrongful confinement and withholding of FDWs' passports is a serious offence under the Penal Code.
Filipino Trafficking in Singapore
The Filipino government seems to be taking the situation in Singapore more seriously. In 2008, a lawmaker in the Philippines' House of Representatives inquired into the soaring number of trafficking cases in Singapore. In an alleged report by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Belen Fule-Anota, there were 212 cases of trafficking in 2007, up from 59 in 2005. A number of these victims admitted to either engaging in prostitution or being coerced by Singaporean or Filipino handlers promising high-paying jobs, according to humantrafficking.org. The Filipino government has been working closely with the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Why Does Singapore Refuse to Sign UN TIP Protocol?
Although an official comment by the Singapore government could not be found, the Protocol itself may explain the hesitation. In Article 6 Section 3, the Protocol states that the government will need to consider "implementing measures to provide for physical, psychological and social recovery of victims. . . ." This includes providing:
- Housing;
- Counseling;
- Medical, psychiatric and material assistance; and,
- Employment, education and training.
Compensation for damages suffered is also included in Article 6 Section 6. Article 7 Section 1 of the Protocol continues ". . . . each State Party shall consider adopting legislative or other appropriate measures that permit victims of trafficking in persons to remain in its territory, temporarily or permanently, in appropriate cases." Although not mandatory, the Singapore government will be responsible for these victims.
Although this may become a relatively high expense to the Singapore budget, it is necessary to sign this TIP Protocol to prevent further abuse. Singapore's location in Asia makes it more important for them to fight traffickers and make a difference in the world. See related article on Singapore and the UN entitled "Singapore Overdue on Ratifying Hague Convention." An additional article on sex tourism can be found at "2003 Protect Act Fights Child Sex Tourism Abroad."
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