European Union EU takes next step in harmonizing its fight against trafficking

Project : TDHIF in Europe 31 Oct 2009

Brussels: In an effort of harmonization, the Council of the European Union (Justice and Home Affairs) released the last draft of the framework decision on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims, repealing Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA. The elaboration of this text is an attempt to address the high level of disparities between national legislation combating human trafficking at EU level. The final vote on it is expected in December 2009.

Its definitions and provisions implement the CoE’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Being and 3 articles are specifically covering child victims. When formally adopted, Member States will have 30 months to implement the text into their domestic legislation. The council called for a report to follow up the progress made by members states in its implementation. It is therefore a good advocacy tool and protection mechanism in the member states as well as in candidate countries such as FYROM. [PC]