The growing problem of human trafficking is a global issue that can only be dealt with effectively through concerted international cooperation, Hong Kong Secretary for Security Regina Ip said in Hong Kong Monday.
She was addressing the opening session of the Fifth Annual Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Asia Pacific Consultations (APC) on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Migrants.
Between December 1999 and September this year, six of 11 cases of illegal immigrants intercepted by the United States and Canadian authorities were a direct result of tip-offs from Hong Kong, she said.
Ip said the detection of these cases clearly illustrated the benefit of close international cooperation.
Ip said Hong Kong was determined to catch those responsible for the smuggling of human cargo.
"A key deterrent is to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice. I can pledge that we will work tirelessly with other jurisdictions to ensure this is done," she said.
Ip paid tribute to the inter-governmental organizations which have been working closely with Hong Kong to address all issues relating to migrants, displaced persons and refugees, in particular, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The APC meeting is co-hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in conjunction with the UNHCR and IOM. Over 50 delegates from 18 countries are participating in the two-day meeting.
(Xinhua 11/13/2000)
