End trafficking in Philippines, U.N. says

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 13 (UPI) —

A United Nations official urged the Philippines to increase efforts to combat human trafficking after her five-day visit to the country.

"Root causes of trafficking, particularly poverty and demands for cheap and exploitative labor, are not being effectively addressed. This has perpetuated the abuse of Filipinos abroad, as well as in the country," cautioned Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, U.N. special rapporteur, in a statement Tuesday.

In the Philippines, she urged local authorities to build on progress already made and pointed out the Philippines is "undoubtedly" a major source country for human trafficking.