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ECPM welcomes the 8th EU Anti-Trafficking Day

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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