Washington, Jul 28 (PL) The United States today removed Cuba from a list that each year assesses governments actions against human trafficking and other forms of labor exploitation.

The State Department, in a report on 188 countries, drafted unilaterally, recognized the efforts of Havana to combat human trafficking.

Washington felt that Cuba shows progress in this area and recognizes the commitment to meet the minimum standards, said the Secretary of State for Human Rights, Sarah Sewall.

The State Department released its 2014 report on trafficking in the world, which incldues countries that do not take actions needed to combat this problem, which can lead to imposition of unilateral sanctions such as the freezing of not humanitarian and non-commercial aid.

The text states that for the second consecutive year, Cuban authorities reported efforts to address the scourge of human trafficking.

Sewall's announcement at a press conference occurs a few days after it was officially finalized the restoration of relations diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana with the opening of embassies in both capitals.