European Anti-trafficking Day: Human trafficking will not be tolerated

In a statement to mark the European Anti-Trafficking Day, the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) called for full respect for the rights of trafficked persons during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Faced with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, GRETA remains mobilised to ensure that thousands of trafficked women, men and children are not forgotten, now that the focus is on the health emergency. Country-by-country monitoring continues to monitor the implementation of the Convention, as does ongoing dialogue with national authorities and civil society.

In his statement, on the European Anti-Trafficking Day, GRETA President Davor Derenčinović reiterated the obligations of states to ensure that victims of trafficking are identified as such, receive assistance and protection, and have effective access to justice and redress. He noted the increase in online child abuse and sexual exploitation of children and called on states to actively combat this challenge, in cooperation with civil society and the private sector.

The increased risk of exploitation of vulnerable groups, linked to the long-term socio-economic impact of the pandemic, requires a redoubling of prevention efforts, in particular through social and economic initiatives addressing the structural causes of human trafficking.

The entire statement is available at the link below.