on trafficking in human beings

Trafficking of people for labor exploitation and slavery like conditions is the biggest fundamental human rights’ violation mostly against women and children. Unfortunately this shameful phenomenon for a long time remains the sad reality for Europe. Annually tens thousands of people, mainly from East and South-East of the continent and outside of Europe become victims of international criminal business. The existence of such problem represents a danger of destroying the whole system of humanistic values, which today inspire the European integration process.   

Such situation exists due to the insufficient amount of efforts to prevent trafficking of people on the national and international level. The governments of countries of origin and countries of destinations must both answer for it. Special attention has to be given to the trade of minors.

The European Greens highly value the activity of non-governmental organizations from different countries which provide activities for counteraction against the trafficking of people and consider that the results are positive and persuasive. But the importance and the scale of the problem demand an appropriate participation of the authorities in solving this proble. 

The European Greens stand up against all forms of violence, defending human rights and dignity, demand from the European governments and international organizations the joint efficient steps towards prevention of trafficking of people, ensuring unavoidable punishment for perpetrators and also providing that the victims’ rights are being protected and defended. Asylum or residence permit must be granted for victims who need it. Individual risk analysis must be made in case asylum or residence permit is not given. Victims have to have access to witness protection programs. Special training including language courses are needed for trafficked persons in order to find new employment. 

It is necessary to have a special all-European system of counteraction, which will use the potential of law-enforcement and remedial national and international institutes as well. We should emphasize that the reinforcement of the visa regime does not protect people from being trafficked.

The practice shows that visa barriers are overcome with corruption instruments with the support of the persons interested in it in the countries of arrival. 

The European Greens call upon to the Group of Greens in the European Parliament to organize special hearings in the Parliament about the trafficking of people problem. The results of such hearings have to be the practical recommendation which may be used as guidance for national governments and international organizations. Use of the criminal law instrument should be analysed and development of human rights instruments should be developed.  The preparation for the hearing have to be done by special short term work group, to which ngo’s and people affected should be included. 

Regarding combating trafficking we should bear in mind that ultimate goal is to exterminate all forms of forced labor and slavery like conditions. All efforts against trafficking should be according to the human rights principles.