Talks with US aim to smooth over 'differences' on people-trafficking

Government officials are in talks with the United States Embassy to avert any damage to New Zealand's international reputation from the release of a report on people-trafficking.

The US State Department report, to be released today by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, assesses the efforts of 158 countries in fighting such trafficking.

Although New Zealand rates in the highest of three tiers for its efforts, there is concern in the Beehive that the report may still paint a picture that is worse than reality.

The concerns are understood to centre primarily on the report's definition of trafficking, which is considered to be too broad.

For example, it is up for debate whether a child involved in prostitution and being moved around within the city of Christchurch constitutes a case of trafficking.

Justice Minister Mark Burton said yesterday that he was pleased New Zealand had rated so highly in fighting the trade.

But he was "concerned" about some of the report's "characterisations" of New Zealand.

"This is a concern because those comments then find their way into United Nations reports," Mr Burton said.

He said local officials had been speaking with the US Embassy to clarify New Zealand's response to trafficking.

"We have differences about definitions, some characterisations and the use of some anecdotal information. There is some way to go, but we are engaged in a constructive and ongoing dialogue."

Mr Burton said there was "no evidence" of people-trafficking in New Zealand.

It is not the first time the annual Trafficking in Persons report has raised eyebrows in New Zealand. In 2004 the assessment was criticised for saying New Zealand had a "large problem" with children being trafficked inside the country for sex.

Last year it said New Zealand had a "sizeable" number of children in prostitution, many of whom might be trafficking victims.

US Ambassador Bill McCormick yesterday acknowledged there were continuing "differences" between New Zealand and the US about some aspects of the report.

But they "needed to be kept in context".

"Both countries agree that this is an important international problem and that all countries need to work together to halt it."

The report says New Zealand's Government is making significant efforts to prevent trafficking not only involving its own country but in its wider region.

The assessment is intended to raise global awareness of trafficking and spur countries to act to counter the problem.

Last year it rated 14 countries in the bottom tier for fighting trafficking, including Bolivia, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.


GRIM FIGURES

* An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders each year, mostly for the sex trade.

* About 80 per cent are women and girls.

* Up to 50 per cent are minors.