A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out a first evaluation visit to Estonia from 15 to 19 May 2017. The visit was organised in the context of the first round of evaluation of the implementation by Estonia of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

During the visit, the GRETA delegation met officials of the Ministry of Justice, including the National Co-ordinator for Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, officials of the Ministry of Social Affairs (including the Social Insurance Board and the Labour Inspection), the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tax and Customs Board. Meetings were also held with representatives of the prosecution, the judiciary and a member of the Estonian Parliament.

Separate meetings were held with representatives of non-governmental organisations involved in prevention of trafficking in human beings and providing assistance of victims. The GRETA delegation also met officials from the local office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In the course of the visit, the GRETA delegation visited a day centre for victims of trafficking run by the NGO Lifeline in Tallinn and a state-funded shelter for child victims of trafficking, run by the NGO SOS Children’s Villages in Keila. The delegation also visited an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Vao.

The visit was carried out by Ms Kateryna Levchenko and Mr Mihai Serban, members of GRETA, who were accompanied by Mr David Dolidze of the Secretariat of the Convention.

Following the visit, GRETA will prepare a draft report which will be sent to the Estonian authorities for comments. GRETA will subsequently adopt a final report which will be made public.