The United States has included Belarus in the list of countries that sponsor human trafficking. There are 12 other countries on this list: Russia, Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, South Sudan and Turkmenistan. Their authorities use the practice of encouraging or financing human trafficking, and this has been documented.
The report of the United States Department of State notes that the Belarusian authorities are forcing thousands of people with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as political prisoners, to work. They also contributed to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The participation of the Lukashenka regime in the migration crisis on the border with the EU countries is mentioned.