Dominican Republic upgrades to Tier 2 in the fight against human trafficking
The Dominican Republic has achieved significant progress in the fight against organized crime by moving up to Tier 2 in the most recent Trafficking in Persons report prepared by the United States. This recognition reflects the strengthening of public policies, judicial reforms, and decisive actions executed by the Dominican State to eradicate this issue.
Legal reforms and regulatory commitments
The fundamental pillar of this advancement has been the modification of Law 137-03 on Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons. The legislative update eliminates the need to prove the use of force, fraud, or coercion when the victim is a minor, aligning local regulations with international standards for the protection of children against sexual exploitation.
- Implementation of the 2025-2028 National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 13-2024 for the identification of stateless persons.
- Rigorous application of the Child Protection Code, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison.
Legal action and prosecution of crime
In the field of criminal prosecution, the authorities have intensified their work, initiating 229 investigations and managing to prosecute 50 individuals. A key aspect of the report is the commitment to institutional transparency, evidenced by the opening of files against eight public officials, including members of security agencies, suspected of complicity in these criminal networks.
The toughening of penalties and the prosecution of institutional complicity demonstrate that there is no tolerance for those who violate human rights from positions of power.
Labor inspections and victim protection
The Ministry of Labor has been key in prevention, executing more than 1,050 inspections in vulnerable sectors such as agriculture and construction. These actions resulted in the suspension of 11 companies due to signs of forced labor, while the migratory registration program has managed to formalize more than 7,400 workers, guaranteeing their freedom of movement and better working conditions.
Regarding victim support, the State has guaranteed comprehensive assistance to 136 identified individuals. Through collaboration between the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Women, and CONANI, specialized shelters and legal and psychological support services have been maintained, ensuring that victims have protection during judicial proceedings.
