European Union European Parliament Seminar on Combating and Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings: the joint statement and recommendations from 7 NGOs

Project : TDHIF in Europe 10 Jun 2010

The NGOs welcome this seminar in Parliament and the ongoing discussion on the Commission’s proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, and protecting victims.

In particular, they welcome the objective of the proposed Directive of improving the protection and assistance to trafficked persons, in recognition that this is “an obligation under human rights standards”. In comparison to the 2002 Framework Decision, the proposal no longer focuses merely on combating trafficking but explicitly commits to preventing trafficking and protecting the rights of trafficked persons. This is particularly evident with regard to the inclusion of: establishment of mechanisms for early identification, specific protection of the rights of trafficked persons, specific safeguards for trafficked children; and recognition of the importance of compensation for trafficked persons.

These improvements are critical to the development of an effective and rights based response to trafficking at EU level.

Whilst welcoming the proposed Directive, the NGOs have a number of general recommendations in relation to the proposal concerning: (1) the protection and assistance of trafficked persons from third countries; (2) non-criminalisation of trafficked persons; (3) combating trafficking; (4) protection of the rights of all trafficked persons; (5) early identification of victims; (6) the right to compensation for trafficked persons; (7) assistance and support to trafficked children; (8) prevention and (9) national rapporteurs.

Read the full statement (4 pages)