China vows harsher crackdowns on human trafficking

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China has urged greater measures to crack down on abduction-related crimes and appropriately relocate the victims of human trafficking, according to a plan publicized by the General Office of the State Council, China's Cabinet, on Friday.

The action plan for fighting human trafficking (2013-2020) was created in accordance with relevant international conventions and Chinese laws, according to the office.

A long-term anti-trafficking mechanism integrating precautionary measures, methods for countering such crimes, rescue work and rehabilitation efforts is also expected to be created, according to the plan.

The mechanism will be conducive to curbing the rise of human trafficking cases and ensuring that victims of trafficking are rehabilitated and relocated in a timely manner, the plan noted.

Crackdowns will primarily focus on major areas with histories of human trafficking, the plan noted.

The plan also urged tougher measures to crack down on prostitution and strengthen public security inspections in casinos located in suburban areas.

Juveniles who have been forced to commit crimes and vagrants should also be helped in a timely manner, according to the plan.

Nationwide anti-abduction campaigns will be carried out by public security departments at all levels, with the help of relevant departments and the participation of the public, the plan said.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in China. Numerous cases of young women being kidnapped from poor southwestern regions and sold to rural families in faraway provinces have been uncovered over the past decade. These women are usually married off to desperate bachelors, while babies, preferably baby boys, are mostly sold to sterile couples not qualified to adopt children.

Official figures show that police across the country rescued 8,660 abducted children and 15,458 women while breaking up 3,195 criminal circles engaged in human trafficking in 2011.