On the occasion of the 22nd High Level Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons “Protection: upholding victims’ rights and strengthening assistance” (4-6 April 2022), the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Division, La Strada International, LEFÖ IBF and the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented migrants (PICUM) are co-organising a side event focused on unconditional support and access to residence on personal grounds for victims of trafficking. This online event will take place on 5 April at 9:30 – 11:00 CET (English only).
The Council of Europe Convention on Acton against Trafficking in Human Beings requires that assistance to victims is not made conditional on their willingness to act as witnesses or co-operate with the competent authorities in the investigations and criminal proceedings. It foresees unconditional assistance and renewable residence permits on account of the personal situation of victims of trafficking.
Following identification, victims of trafficking are often in a situation of high vulnerability, and may risk being removed immediately if their status is irregular. However, access to support and residence for victims of human trafficking is currently very closely tied with the criminal legal system. Access depends first on identification, and then on cooperation with, and the needs of, law enforcement. This leaves many people without the protection, support and assistance they need and are entitled to. It leads to repeat victimisation.
The side-event will provide an analysis of the state of play and spotlight country examples that highlight both the need and policy options for a human rights-centred approach to trafficking in human beings.
Moderator: Lilana Keith, Senior Advocacy Officer, Labour rights and labour migration, PICUM
Speakers:
- Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Being
- Marija Andjelkovic, Director at ASTRA-Anti trafficking action, Serbia
- Mercy Obade, Cultural social worker at Hope Now, Denmark, and member of the OSCE International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC)
- Michelle Mildwater, Director at Hope Now
