Bush signs human trafficking bill into law News
Bush signs human trafficking bill into law

[JURIST] President Bush Tuesday signed into law a renewal of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 [PDF text; fact sheet], providing $361 million over two years towards to investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, most involving the sex trade. The US Justice Department reported [text, PDF] last year that it has prosecuted 271 human trafficking cases since the original bill was passed, with a 100% conviction rate. Over the summer, the US State Department released a report [text] accusing 14 nations [country reports] of failing to adaquately address human trafficking issues through law enforcement. More recently, the EU outlined a plan to combat human trafficking [JURIST report], and has encouraged member nations to enact laws strengthening their policies. Read a transcript of the President's remarks at the signing ceremony. AP has more.