EU Directive on Human Trafficking

[Lisa Hahn]

At first, the UK OPTED OUT!!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/30/coalition-opts-out-sex-trafficking/print



- Overview of the directive:

http://www.ungift.org/knowledgehub/en/stories/march2011/new-eu-directive-aims-to-fight-human-trafficking-more-effectively.html

 Highlights of the directive:

1. A broad concept of what should be considered trafficking in human beings.

 

2. Penalties for traffickers have been extended from 8 to 10 years within the EU.

 

3. EU Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that  victims of human trafficking are not punished for their compelled involvement in criminal activities.

 

4. Each Member State will have to investigate and prosecute offences committed in whole or in part within its territory or committed by one of its nationals, even outside of its territory.

 

5. Member States should provide free legal assistance for victims of human trafficking, in case the victim does not have sufficient financial resources, and special protective measures are envisaged for child victims.

- Other UN commentary on it  (28 march 2012):
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/2012/joint-un-commentary-on-eu-directive-on-preventing-and-combating-trafficking-in-human-beings-is-launched-at-the-european-parliament.html

On 28 March 2012 the joint UN Commentary on selected articles of the EU Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims was launched at the European Parliament. The launch was hosted by MEPs Anna Hedh and Edit Bauer, co-rapporteurs on the EU Directive.

In its joint commentary, the UN welcomes the EU Directive and provides additional guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the transposition in national legislation of the EU instrument and its implementation by Member States.

Currently, the EU Directive is in the process of being transposed into national legislation by the 26 EU Member States who are taking part in the Directive.

During the launch EU representatives, EU permanent representations and civil society organizations welcomed the UN Commentary. The UN reiterated their readiness to support EU Member States in the transposition of the EU Directive, and discuss queries related to the recommendations made in the commentary.

Working together six United Nations agencies (UNODC, UNHCR, OHCHR, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women) have published a commentary on selected articles of the EU Directive 2011/36/EU.