SINGAPORE - Singapore has ratified the Asean Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP), marking another step by the Republic to combat human trafficking.

The ACTIP was signed by Asean leaders at the 27th Asean Summit in November last year. It is a legally binding instrument that seeks to prevent and suppress trafficking in people, protect victims and promote cooperation among Asean member states.

The Instrument of Ratification was deposited with the Asean Secretary-General by Singapore's Permanent Representative to Asean, Mr Tan Hung Seng, on Monday (Jan 25).

This ratification follows Singapore's earlier accession to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (UN TIP Protocol) on Sept 28 last year.

Singapore is among the first Asean member states to ratify ACTIP.