Tier 1

In the context of human trafficking, Tier 1 refers to a country’s compliance with the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, as outlined by the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. Countries that meet these standards are classified as Tier 1, while those that do not are classified as Tier 2 or Tier 3. The minimum standards for Tier 1 include enacting and enforcing laws against trafficking, providing victim-centered services and support, and conducting efforts to prevent trafficking. Tier 1 countries are considered to have a strong response to human trafficking and are eligible for certain forms of US government assistance. However, Tier 1 status does not mean that a country has completely eliminated trafficking or that there are no areas for improvement.