On the occasion of ~ World Day Against Trafficking in PersonsEuropean Parliament Expert Group on Action Against Trafficking in Persons (Greta) joins Interagency Coordination Group Against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) called for collaborative action to reduce the vulnerability of children to trafficking, provide expert support to child victims, and end impunity for traffickers.
In calling for “accelerated action to prevent and end child trafficking by 2025,” the ICAT statement emphasizes that children make up one-third of all known trafficking victims worldwide, suggesting that existing initiatives to address and eliminate child trafficking are not sufficient to make progress. It is important to integrate child trafficking prevention and victim protection and care into child welfare frameworks. Furthermore, in conflict and crisis situations, these measures should be integrated into coordination structures and interventions for unaccompanied and separated minors.
“A sensitive approach to children is reflected throughout the Council of Europe’s Convention against Trafficking in Persons, which requires States Parties to take specific measures to protect children and reduce their vulnerability to trafficking, in particular by creating a protective environment for children,” said Helga Geyer, President of GRETA. “Child victims of trafficking are often treated as criminals and punished for the crimes they were forced to commit, such as theft or drug-related crimes. States must fulfil their legal obligations in relation to the rights of trafficking victims. This includes proactively identifying child victims of trafficking, including in online environments, and strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation to respect the best interests of the child at all stages,” she stressed.
GRETA’s monitoring of the Convention has paid particular attention to the development of preventive measures targeting the most vulnerable children, including children whose births are not registered, children in street situations, children placed in or leaving institutions, children from disadvantaged communities, unaccompanied and separated children, and children seeking asylum. GRETA has highlighted the urgent need to scale up measures to prevent online recruitment of children, including by working with Internet service providers and raising awareness among children, parents and education professionals about the risks of child recruitment via the Internet.
GRETA urges States Parties to comply with their legal obligations regarding the rights and treatment of children who are victims of trafficking, including proactively identifying and providing professional assistance, promptly appointing legal guardians for unaccompanied children, and fully complying with non-criminalization provisions.
