DUSHANBE, June 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- On June 27, Secretary Clinton released the Department''s 2011 Report on Trafficking in Persons.

The goal of this annual report is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery.  It provides in-depth assessments of human trafficking in 177 countries, including the United States, and provides recommendations for strengthening our shared struggle against this global scourge.

The Embassy of the United States wishes to commend the Government of Tajikistan for its commitment to combating Trafficking in Persons, which has become a key area of our bilateral cooperation.  The Government of Tajikistan has increased prosecution of traffickers, expanded information campaigns to inform the population of the dangers of trafficking, and coordinated with non-governmental organizations to combat the use of forced labor in the cotton harvest.  It has also strengthened partnerships with non-governmental organizations, which have made important contributions to these efforts.

In recognition of the Government of Tajikistan''s efforts to combat TIP over the past year, the Department of State''s Global Office to Combat TIP has removed Tajikistan from the TIP Report''s "Watchlist."  Tajikistan is now ranked Tier 2, a notable improvement from its past ranking.

The U.S. Embassy commends the government and partners in civil society for their efforts and look forward to continued cooperation.