16/06/2023
Analysis and Recommendations of the Council of Europe Experts'Group
Trafficking, the new GRETA Report
The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) of the Council of Europe has published its Annual Report 2022 . The study provides an overview of activities and cooperation with Council of Europe bodies, other international organisations and civil society to prevent and fight human trafficking.
First of all, GRETA warns about the danger of people fleeing the armed conflict in Ukraine falling victim of human trafficking and exploitation. The war in Ukraine, says a Council of Europe note, has caused the largest displacement of people on the continent since the Second World War. The GRETA report therefore indicates practical measures that can be implemented to minimise the risk of falling into criminal networks.
GRETA then stresses the low number of sentences for human trafficking, linked, according to the Report, to an excessive use of victims' testimonies and the rapid return of victims to their countries of origin. Furthermore, the lack of effective access to compensation for victims of trafficking is another problem highlighted by GRETA.
Another important development during 2022, says GRETA, was the adoption by the Committee of Ministers of a new recommendation for member states to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation. The Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings also highlights a number of improvements made by States to respond to human trafficking. However," it states, "gaps persist and new challenges are emerging, particularly with regard to the increasing use of information and communication technologies. GRETA then encourages Convention States to pursue the fight against human trafficking by strengthening national strategies, resources and partnerships.
Published: Friday 16 June 2023 - Last modify: Tuesday 20 June 2023
