Trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation is increasingly on the rise. That’s the observation of the Group of Experts tasked with monitoring states’ obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). Indeed, trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation has emerged as the predominant form of trafficking in some European countries. It occurs in both the formal and informal economies, and concerns women, men and children.
A new Guidance note on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation sets out the key indicators to support states in ensuring, for example, properly-functioning labour inspectorates, reporting requirements, effective victim identification and assistance and appropriate criminal justice responses.
The guidance complements the Compendium of good practices in addressing trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation, as part of the Secretary General’s Roadmap on strengthening action against trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation, and paves the way for a dedicated ad hoc working group to draft a Recommendation for adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the topic.
