The photographs in this gallery were taken to illustrate the State Department's annual report on "Trafficking in Persons," required under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. This report serves as the primary diplomatic tool through which the U.S. Government encourages other countries to help fight forced labor, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery.

The Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons assigned a U.S. photographer, Kay Chernush, to take these photos in India, Thailand, Italy, and Hong Kong in 2005. They are available for use with the credit: "Kay Chernush for the U.S. State Department." For high resolution photos, please click on "download high res photos" found below the bottom right corner of every photo.

Children in Northern Thailand play at a day school where U.S. Government funding helps protect girls at risk of being trafficked.