The US State Department has taken Greece off its watch list of countries not doing enough to tackle human trafficking, according to a report made public yesterday.

In its 2006 “Trafficking in Persons” report, the State Department listed Greece as a “Tier 2” country. “The Government of Greece does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so,” the report said.

Washington noted that Greece had “increased its capacity to protect and assist victims in 2005” and improved cooperation with non-governmental organizations but it called for NGOs to be given an “operational role” in identifying trafficking victims.

The State Department said the government should do more to demonstrate its “political will” to punish traffickers, as most traffickers are released awaiting appeal.