The United States has accused Russia and Thailand of failing to tackle human trafficking in a new report, while praising progress in Malaysia and Cuba in fighting the global scourge decried as "modern slavery."

...But the promotion of Malaysia and Cuba one notch from Tier 3 to the Tier 2 Watch List drew allegations that President Barack Obama's administration had politicised the rankings to reward favoured capitals.

Malaysia is among the Pacific Rim nations currently negotiating a trade accord with Washington, while Cuba and the United States re-established diplomatic ties last week, ending decades of hostility.

Asked whether Malaysia's role in the trade talks played was a factor, undersecretary of state for human rights Sarah Sewall insisted: "No, no, no."

The report said Kuala Lumpur had made "significant efforts" in fighting trafficking.

While Ms Sewall said the discovery in May of mass graves believed to be used by Malaysian people-smugglers near the Thai border was a "core concern" for the state department, it came after the report's review period ended in March.

Several US politicians expressed concern over the report.

"They have elevated politics over the most basic principles of human rights," said Senator Robert Menendez, alleging that the leniency towards Malaysia and Cuba was "a stamp of approval for countries who have failed to take the basic actions to merit this upgrade."

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