VALLETTA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government said Friday that more investment was being directed at addressing human trafficking in the country, acknowledging, however, that more needed to be done.
In a statement released Friday, the government said it had increased investment in fighting trafficking as was providing various professional services to victims of human trafficking through its Victims Support Unit.
The statement was released in response to the 2018 Trafficking In Persons report by the U.S. State Department, which found that the Maltese government was not yet fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, despite significant efforts.
Malta remains on the Tier 2 level of protection despite increasing efforts to tackle trafficking, for failing to secure any trafficking convictions since 2012.
The Maltese government statement said it was committed to strengthening the fight against human trafficking by establishing the first national strategy against human trafficking.
"The strategy will aim to consolidate the work of different public entities against human trafficking as well as increase awareness at national level on this criminal act," it said.
Furthermore, it said that meetings with experts and members of civil society were underway to discuss ways in which the approach to human trafficking can be improved.
The government added that in line with its pledge in the electoral manifesto, it was determined to introduce the necessary changes to support people, including Maltese nationals, who fell victim to sexual exploitation and prostitution. Enditem
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