The European
Christian Political Movement (ECPM) welcomes the 8th EU Anti-trafficking Day
aimed at raising awareness of one of the most serious forms of violation of
human rights and dignity of our times. Trafficking in human beings is modern
day slavery and a complex form of transnational crime which can only be
combated if states work together to eradicate the problem. The ECPM calls on
member states which have not already done so to implement the EU
Directive on combating human trafficking
and cooperate with international actors in addressing this serious phenomenon.
The number of human trafficking victims
worldwide is estimated at 20.9 million (of which 5.5 million are thought to be
children). Trafficking for prostitution is by far the largest sector of this
criminal activity, with 75% of identified cases being victims of sexual exploitation. Human
trafficking is a very profitable form of crime for the perpetrators, generating
profits estimated at dozens of billions of euro a year.
The European Union has made
notable efforts over the years to enable joint action by its member states in
tackling human trafficking. The EU Directive on combating human trafficking
sets the foundation to EU policy in this area. It sets minimum standards for
provisions for victims of trafficking, such as non prosecution of victims and
special provisions for their protection and support, recognising in particular
the increased vulnerability of child victims Furthermore, the
European Commission has committed to submitting a report by April 2016
establishing as a criminal offence the use of services which are the objects of
exploitation of trafficking in human beings.
In light of the
provisions of the EU Directive as well as the upcoming Commission report , the
ECPM supports efforts of member states who are reviewing their legislation in
order to ensure that the issue of demand is adequately addressed and encourages all member states to
consider adopting legislation that criminalizes the use of services of
trafficked people, in particular those trafficked for sexual exploitation.
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