GRETA: directions for implementing recovery and reflection period for victims of human trafficking.

GRETA presented a new Guidance Note outlining the purposes and principles, as well as the legal basis and processes for the allocation of the recovery and reflection period for victims of human trafficking.

This period is of crucial importance for the support of victims and is provided for in Article 13 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

In fact, Helga Gayer, President of GRETA states that “The recovery and reflection period is recognised as an effective means to protect the fundamental rights of victims of trafficking” but that in some countries this period of essential importance for victims is not yet regulated by national law and its interpretation is not in accordance with Article 13.

Therefore, this GRETA Guidance Note aims to strengthen the implementation of the obligation to ensure a recovery and reflection period for victims in all States parties to the Convention, with the provision of concrete guidance to the authorities and civil society involved. 

Indeed, Article 13 of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention guarantees the recovery and reflection period. The period must be recognised if there are adequate grounds to believe that a person is a victim of trafficking and its main purpose is to provide victims with a necessary period of safety and subsequently to be able to decide whether to cooperate with the authorities in investigations to punish traffickers.