From the UN Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings

Trafficking in persons is an egregious human rights violation that constitutes a form of modern-day slavery. Victims of trafficking are subject to gross human rights violation including rape, torture, forced abortions, starvation, and threats of torture or murder of family members. Nearly every country is involved in the web of trafficking activities, either as a country of origin, destination or transit. Estimates show that between 600,000 and 800,000 humans are annually trafficked across international borders. The constant demand for the activities that fuel trafficking in persons, such as prostitution and forced labor, makes trafficking in persons the third largest source of income for organized crime around the world, surpassed only by drugs and arms.

As trafficking in persons is growing as an extremely profitable business and one of most serious transnational crimes, effective legal instruments are needed to successfully address it. The main international legal instrument against trafficking in persons is the 2000 United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, which has been ratified by 97 countries. In May 2005, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Convention goes beyond the United Nations Protocol and enhances the capacity of member states to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and protect the human rights of victims of trafficking.

The conference examines the various mandates of the Council of Europe Convention and its role as a model of international cooperation in the fight against trafficking inwill provide national, regional and international perspectives, focus on best practices and address the new challenges posed by this international threat to human security.



Programme