On June 15, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report). The United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act requires the U.S. government to release a TIP Report assessing governments efforts, around the world, to combat human trafficking. The report also highlights strategies to address this crime and protect the victims. This year’s report, the 23rd edition, features narratives for 188 countries and territories, including the United States.
Since 2015, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas maintained Tier 1 status. Tier 1 is the highest ranking and requires governments demonstrate appreciable progress each year in combating trafficking.
The U.S. Embassy wishes to congratulate the Government of The Bahamas for maintaining its Tier 1 status and notes this achievement amongst many surrounding The Bahamas’ 50th Independence celebrations. This year’s TIP report highlights The Bahamas’ efforts in convictions, a robust educational campaign, sustained victim support services, and regional collaboration.
For all countries, including The Bahamas and U.S., the TIP report also highlights ways to exceed the minimum standard for eliminating trafficking. This year, the TIP report noted The Bahamas government did not initiate any prosecutions, continued to identify few victims and will need stronger engagement to support victims in vulnerable groups such as stateless persons, asylum-seekers, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
U.S. Embassy Nassau will continue to work with the TIP Secretariat of The Bahamas in the fight against human trafficking.
A copy of the 2023 TIP Report on The Bahamas can be found here: