Connelly Calls for Lebanon's Prosecution of Human Traffickers

U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly urged Lebanon on Wednesday to criminalize trafficking in persons to ensure that suspects are prosecuted, the U.S. embassy announced.

During talks with Minister of Justice Shakib Qortbawi, Connelly “urged Lebanon to fully implement Law 164, which criminalizes trafficking in persons, to ensure those involved in trafficking are prosecuted.”

“She also urged the government and security services to work with civil society and other partners to provide appropriate assistance and protection to trafficking victims and to take measures to prevent the exploitation of domestic workers and other trafficking victims,” said the embassy statement.

“The Ambassador further encouraged efforts by Lebanon’s criminal justice system to investigate and prosecute those involved in human trafficking,” it said.

The statement added that Connelly and Qortbawi discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon.