[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

CHILE (Tier 1) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Chile fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Chile remained on Tier 1. These efforts included investigating and prosecuting more alleged traffickers, increasing the prescribed penalty for a statute often used to prosecute child sex traffickers, and reviving a network of regional anti-trafficking councils to facilitate coordination between national and subnational officials. Although the government meets the minimum standards, Chilean courts issued lenient sentences to convicted traffickers, resulting in a pattern of suspended sentences that undercut nationwide efforts to fight trafficking. Victim service provision remained uneven, with limited access to care for male victims and victims outside the capital.

Prioritized Recommendations

Seek adequate penalties, which should include significant prison terms, for traffickers convicted under Articles 411 and 367 of the penal code.

Vigorously investigate; prosecute; and as appropriate, convict traffickers, including domestic child sex traffickers.

Provide suitable, safe shelter for child and male trafficking victims as required by law and expand access to specialized shelters for all victims, including outside the capital.

Increase training on application of Article 411 for judges and prosecutors.

Actively screen for trafficking victims among vulnerable migrant groups.

Continue efforts to disrupt systematic child abuse, including trafficking, in care facilities serving trafficking victims and hold violators accountable.

Provide victims access to a full range of services, including long-term rehabilitation.

Consistently support victim efforts to seek restitution.