Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin was honored as a hero in the fight against modern-day slavery, the US State Department announced.

"International superstar Ricky Martin has devoted his time, resources and energy to improving the lives of children around the world," the department said in a statement. Martin founded an international organization, The Ricky Martin Foundation, to help exploited children and families, especially victims of human trafficking, the statement said.

From left to right, Queen Noor of Jordan, Ricky Martin and Mrs. Vicente Fox, Mexico's First Lady.

"Immediately following the devastating tsunami in Thailand, Mr. Martin traveled to the region to warn people of the dangers of human trafficking and to show his concern for the country and its people. "Lending a powerful voice to vulnerable children who are unable to speak for themselves, he's reaching tens of millions of people around the world," the statement said.

The State Department issued Friday its fifth annual "Trafficking in Persons Report," which analyzed efforts in 150 countries to combat trafficking for forced labor, prostitution and other uses. The department focused on involuntary servitude trapping some 12.3 million people across the world, and added several states to its "Tier 3" list of worst offenders largely for failing to crack down on forced labor.

Saudi Arabia, one of the US administration's closet allies in the Middle East, was listed among the 14 "Tier 3" states that could face sanctions if they don't improve their records.

source: AFP