The U.S. State Department has released its annual report on human trafficking. The 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report lists 13 countries, including Iran, North Korea, Burma and Cuba, as failing to meet minimum international standards in the fight against human trafficking.

The report assessed 177 nations, including the U.S., who are placed in three categories according to anti-trafficking performance. The 13 countries with the worst assessments are placed in Tier 3.

North Korea remained in Tier 3 since the State Department survey began in 2003.

The report says Pyongyang authorities make no effort to prevent human trafficking or to address the issue. It also states that as the dire situation in the North increases the number of defectors, individuals are becoming more exposed to the dangers of trafficking.