On 18 October 2022, the European Anti-trafficking Day, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by Croatia in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published on 3 December 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Croatian authorities, adopted on 4 December 2020.

The meeting was opened by Mr Alen Tahiri, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities.

The event brought together over 30 participants from relevant ministries, state agencies and civil society organisations. They discussed developments which have taken place since the publication of the GRETA’s third report and remaining challenges. Particular attention was paid to victims’ access to justice and effective remedies, the criminal justice response to human trafficking, measures to prevent and combat child trafficking, and the identification of victims and their referral to victims. As a result of the meeting, specific measures to strengthen the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings were identified.

Croatia is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with its recommendation by 4 December 2022.

On 22 September 2022, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by Albania in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published on 15 December 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Albanian authorities.

The meeting was opened by Ms Romina Kuko, Deputy Minister of the Interior of Albania, and Ms Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

The event brought together some 30 participants from relevant ministries, public agencies, civil society and international organisations. The participants discussed developments since the publication of GRETA’s third report on Albania and remaining challenges. Particular attention was paid to victims’ access to legal assistance and compensation, the criminal justice response to human trafficking, measures to prevent and combat child trafficking, identification of victims of human trafficking for different forms of exploitation, victim assistance, and co-ordination of the actions of all relevant actors. As a result of the meeting specific measures to strengthen the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings were identified. The round-table materials will be published on the dedicated section of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Division’s website.

Albania is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with its recommendations by 4 December 2022.

On 8 September 2022, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by the Republic of Moldova in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published on 3 December 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Moldovan authorities.

The meeting was opened by Ms Petya Nestorova (Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings), Ms Daniela Misail-Nichitin (State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) and Mr Victor Lăpușneanu (Head of the Multilateral Co-operation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration).

The meeting brought together some 30 participants, including representatives of the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Finance, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the National Legal Aid Council, civil society and international organisations. They discussed progress made and remaining challenges as regards trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies, which is the focus of the third evaluation round of the Convention.

Particular attention was paid to victims’ access to legal assistance and compensation, the criminal justice response to human trafficking, measures to prevent and combat trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, identification of victims of human trafficking, and providing them with the required support. The risks related to the mass arrival of refugees from Ukraine were also at the centre of the discussions.

The Republic of Moldova is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 4 December 2022.

On 20 May 2022, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by Austria in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published on 10 June 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Austrian authorities.

The meeting was opened by Ambassador Petra Schneebauer, Austria’s National Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, who highlighted the efforts made by the Austrian authorities in the two years following the publication of GRETA’s report, including the reactions to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid response to the arrival of persons fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Some 20 representatives of relevant federal ministries, the City of Vienna and civil society organisations discussed progress made and remaining challenges as regards trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies, which is the focus of the third evaluation round of the Convention. Victims’ access to information, legal aid and compensation, the implementation of the non-punishment provision, and the criminal justice response to trafficking were at the centre of the discussions.

The round-table meeting was also an occasion to discuss progress made on the implementation of previous GRETA recommendations. Particular attention was paid to data collection, the identification of victims of trafficking, the granting of a recovery and reflection period, measures to combat trafficking for labour exploitation and measures to discourage demand.

Austria is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 12 June 2022.

On 19 May 2022, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by the Slovak Republic in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published on 10 June 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Slovak authorities.

The meeting was opened by Mr Vendelin Leitner, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic, who highlighted the efforts made by the Slovak authorities in the fight against human trafficking and the rapid response to the challenges posed by the arrival of persons fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Some 25 representatives of relevant ministries, public agencies and civil society organisations discussed progress made and remaining challenges as regards trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies, which is the focus of the third evaluation round of the Convention. Victims’ access to legal assistance, free legal aid and compensation, as well as the criminal justice response to trafficking, were at the centre of the discussions.

The round-table meeting was also an occasion to discuss progress made on the implementation of previous GRETA recommendations. Particular attention was paid to the identification of victims of trafficking, the provision of assistance, measures to prevent and combat trafficking in children, and measures to prevent and detect trafficking for labour exploitation.

The Slovak Republic is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 12 June 2022.

On 5 May 2022, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting to discuss progress made by Cyprus in the implementation of the third report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), published in June 2020, and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation to the Cypriot authorities.

The meeting was opened by Dr Costas Constantinou, National Co-ordinator against human trafficking and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, who highlighted the efforts made by the Cypriot authorities and the challenges faced due to the high number of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in the country.

Some 30 representatives of relevant ministries, public agencies and civil society organisations discussed progress made and remaining challenges as regards trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies, which is the focus of the third evaluation round of the Convention. Victims’ access to legal assistance, free legal aid and compensation, as well as the criminal justice response to trafficking, were at the centre of the discussions.

The round-table meeting was also an occasion to discuss progress made on the implementation of previous GRETA recommendations. Particular attention was paid to the identification of victims of trafficking, the provision of assistance, the granting of a recovery and reflection period, as well as measures to discourage demand and to combat trafficking for labour exploitation.

Cyprus is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 12 June 2022.

On 8 November 2021, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe organised a round-table meeting in Prague to discuss progress made in the implementation of the first report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) on the Czech Republic and the related Committee of the Parties recommendation to the Czech authorities.

The meeting brought together some 30 representatives of relevant ministries, public agencies and civil society. Participants discussed progress and remaining challenges in the fields of prevention, protection of victims, criminal justice response to human trafficking, and co-ordination of anti-trafficking action.

The Czech Republic is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 12 June 2022.

On 7 October 2021, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Directorate General of Migration Management of Turkey, organised a round-table meeting in Ankara to discuss progress made in the implementation of the first report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) on Turkey and the related Committee of the Parties recommendation to the Turkish authorities.

The meeting brought together some 60 representatives of relevant ministries, public agencies, intergovernmental organisations and civil society. Participants discussed progress and remaining challenges in the field of prevention, identification and assistance provided to victims of human trafficking, the criminal justice response to human trafficking, and co-ordination of anti-trafficking action.

Turkey is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on measures taken to comply with the recommendations by 18 October 2021.

On 16 October 2018, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Department for Combatting Trafficking in Human of the Ministry of the Interior of Belarus, organised a round-table meeting in Minsk to discuss progress in the implementation of the recommendations made by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) in its first evaluation report on Belarus.

The meeting brought together 34 representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, non-governmental organisations and the International Organization of Migration (IOM).

Belarus is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on the measures taken to comply with GRETA’s recommendations by 14 October 2019. The second round of evaluation of the implementation of the Convention by Belarus will take place in the course of 2020.

GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Belarus

On 10 October 2017, the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Federal Office of Police, organised a round-table meeting in Bern to discuss progress in the implementation of the recommendations made by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) in its first evaluation report on Switzerland.

The meeting brought together some 40 representatives of relevant ministries and agencies at federal and cantonal level, non-governmental organisations and the International Organization of Migration.  

Switzerland is expected to report to the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings on the measures taken to comply with GRETA’s recommendations by 30 November 2017. The second round of evaluation of the implementation of the Convention by Switzerland will take place in the course of 2018.

 GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Switzerland

A round-table meeting on the implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA in its first report on Germany took place in Berlin on 9 May 2017.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. It brought together 32 representatives of relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention and ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Germany in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Germany is expected to provide a report on the implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of Parties on 15 June 2017.

 GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Germany

A round-table meeting on the implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA in its first report on Italy and the urgent procedure report published in January 2017 took place in Rome on 6 April 2017.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers. It brought together 56 representatives of relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention and ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Italy in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Italy provided a report on the implementation of the recommendations related to the first evaluation round on 14 September 2014. The second round of evaluation of the implementation of the Convention by Italy will take place in the autumn of 2017.

 GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Italy

A round-table meeting on the implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA in its first report on Hungary took place in Budapest on 10 April 2017.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of the Interior of Hungary. It brought together 40 representatives of relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention and ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Hungary in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Hungary is expected to provided a report on the implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties on 15 June 2017.

 GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Hungary

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Andorra took place in Andorra la Vella on 20 October 2016.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Justice and Interior of Andorra. It brought together some 20 representatives of relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention since the publication of GRETA’s report on Andorra in July 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Andorra in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Andorra is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 5 December 2016.

GRETA's report and the Committee of the Parties' Recommendation on Andorra

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Finland took place in Helsinki on 2 June 2016.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. It brought together some 25 representatives of governmental agencies and civil society organisations who discussed steps taken since the publication of GRETA’s report on Finland in June 2015 and remaining challenges.

Finland is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 15 June 2017.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Finland

A round-table meeting took place in Reykjavík on 19 May 2016 as a follow-up to GRETA’s report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Iceland.

The meeting was organised jointly by the Council of Europe and the Icelandic authorities. It brought together some 25 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Iceland and remaining challenges in tackling human trafficking.

Iceland is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 5 December 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Iceland

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Ukraine took place in Kyiv on 12 May 2016.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. It brought together some 30 representatives of 20 relevant governmental agencies, three international stakeholders and three non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Ukraine in September 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Ukraine in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Ukraine is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 5 December 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Ukraine

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report on Belgium took place in Brussels on 3 December 2015.

The meeting was opened by the Minister of Justice of Belgium, Mr Koen Geens. Participants included representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, the Federal Migration Centre (Myria), non-governmental organisations and Council of Europe experts.

The meeting was organised by the Council of Europe’s Anti-Trafficking Division in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Belgium.

Participants discussed measures taken or planned in the light of GRETA’s report, remaining challenges and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Belgium in its anti-trafficking efforts.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Belgium

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first evaluation report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Luxemburg took place in Luxembourg on 30 November 2015.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Justice of Luxembourg. It brought together some 20 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and civil society who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention since the publication of GRETA’s report on Luxembourg in January 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Luxembourg in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Luxembourg is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 February 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Luxemburg

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Azerbaijan took place in Baku on 10 November 2015.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan. It brought together some 40 representatives of relevant governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Azerbaijan in May 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Azerbaijan in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Azerbaijan is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 July 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Azerbaijan

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first evaluation report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Sweden took place in Stockholm on 29 September 2015.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Justice of Sweden. It brought together some 30 representatives of relevant governmental bodies, international organisations, civil society and academia. Participants discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention since the publication of GRETA’s joint report on Sweden in May 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Sweden in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Sweden is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 July 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Sweden

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report on Ireland took place in Dublin on 27 May 2015.

The meeting was organised by the Council of Europe’s Anti-Trafficking Division in collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Department of Justice and Equality of Ireland. It brought together some 40 representatives of relevant governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations and offices of international organisations present in Ireland. Participants discussed measures taken or planned in the light of GRETA’s report, remaining challenges and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Ireland in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Ireland is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 October 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Ireland

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Serbia took place in Belgrade on 19 May 2015.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe in co-operation with the National Co-ordinator for fight against trafficking in human beings of Serbia. It brought together some 25 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken or planned to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made following the publication of GRETA’s report on Serbia in January 2014, and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Serbia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

The Serbian authorities are expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 February 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Serbia

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first evaluation report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Slovenia took place in Ljubljana on 17 April 2015.

The meeting brought together 21 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken since the publication of GRETA’s report on Slovenia in November 2013 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Slovenia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

The Slovenian authorities are expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 February 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Slovenia

On 8 April 2015 the Anti-Trafficking Secretariat of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the National Commission for Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration, organised a round-table meeting in Skopje for some 25 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations.

Participants discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings since the publication of GRETA’s report in March 2014 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support the country in its anti-trafficking efforts.

The Macedonian authorities are expected to provide information of measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 July 2016.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first evaluation report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by France took place in Paris on 30 January 2015.

The meeting was co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Inter-ministerial Mission for Protecting Women against Violence and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 40 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention since the publication of GRETA’s report on France in January 2013 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support France in its anti-trafficking efforts.

France is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 15 February 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on France

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Latvia took place in Riga on 10 December 2014.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia. It brought together some 25 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Latvia in January 2013 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Latvia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Latvia is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 15 February 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Latvia

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first evaluation report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Montenegro took place in Podgorica on 13 November 2014.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Office for Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings of the General Secretariat of the Government of Montenegro. It brought together some 25 representatives of relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report in September 2012 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Montenegro in its anti-trafficking efforts.

On 5 November 2014 Montenegro sent to the Committee of the Parties information on the measures taken to implement Committee of Parties Recommendation CP(2012)9.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Montenegro

On 30 October 2014 the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the National Rapporteur for Human Trafficking and the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality of Portugal, organised a round-table meeting in Lisbon for some 40 representatives of relevant ministries, public agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Participants discussed measures taken by Portugal to strengthen the implementation of the Convention in the light of GRETA’s report and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Portugal in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Portugal is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 15 February 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Portugal

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Malta took place in St Julian’s on 17 July 2014.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security of Malta. It brought together some 20 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations, who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Malta in January 2013 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Malta in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Malta is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 15 February 2015.

 GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Malta

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Norway took place in Oslo on 4 June 2014.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security. It brought together some 20 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations, who discussed measures taken to strengthen the implementation of the Convention made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Norway in May 2013 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Norway in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Norway is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 June 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Norway

On 15 April 2014 the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Unit against Trafficking in Human Beings of the Ministry of the Interior of Poland, organised a round-table meeting in Warsaw for some 30 representatives of relevant ministries and public agencies, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and research centres.

The meeting took place two years after the first evaluation visit to Poland by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) and one year after the publication of GRETA’s report. Participants discussed measures taken by Poland to strengthen the implementation of the Convention in the light of GRETA’s report and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Poland in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Poland is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 June 2015.

GRETA’s Report (in English and Polish) and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Poland

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Bosnia and Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo on 10 April 2014.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Office of the National Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Immigration of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It brought together some 25 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2013 and remaining challenges.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 7 June 2015.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Bosnia and Herzegovina

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Armenia took place in Yerevan on 19 December 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and Armenian Inter-agency Working Group for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 30 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Armenia in September 2012 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Armenia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Armenia is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 13 November 2014.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Armenia

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Croatia took place in Zagreb on 12 December 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Croatian National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 20 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Croatia in November 2011 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Croatia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Croatia is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 30 January 2014.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Croatia

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Georgia took place in Tbilisi on 5 December 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Georgian Interagency Coordination Council for Carrying out Measures against Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 35 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Georgia in February 2012 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Georgia in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Georgia is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 13 November 2014.

 GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Georgia

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Albania took place in Tirana on 24 October 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Albanian Office of the National Coordinator for the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 40 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Albania in December 2011 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Albania in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Albania is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 30 January 2014.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Albania

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Romania took place in Bucharest on 3 October 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons of Romania. It brought together some 30 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Romania in May 2012 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Romania in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Romania is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 11 June 2014.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Romania

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Bulgaria took place in Sofia on 28 May 2013.

The meeting was co-organised by the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe and the Bulgarian National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. It brought together some 40 representatives of relevant governmental bodies and non-governmental and international organisations who discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Bulgaria in December 2011 and remaining challenges. The meeting will be used to identify ways in which the Council of Europe can further support Bulgaria in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Bulgaria is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 30 January 2014.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Bulgaria

A round-table meeting on the follow-up given to GRETA’s first report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Austria took place in Vienna on 17 May 2013.

The meeting was organised in the framework of the Task Force on Combating Human Trafficking, which is composed of representatives of relevant ministries, agencies and civil society in Austria. The participants discussed progress made since the publication of GRETA’s report on Austria in September 2011 and ways in which the Council of Europe can support Austria in its anti-trafficking efforts.

Austria is expected to provide information of the measures taken to implement the recommendations made by GRETA and the Committee of the Parties by 26 September 2013.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Austria

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by the Republic of Moldova took place in Chisinau on
22 March 2013.

The meeting brought together some 33 representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations who discussed ways in which the Council of Europe can support the Republic of Moldova in its anti-trafficking efforts.

GRETA’s Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on the Republic of Moldova

A round-table meeting on the follow-up to be given to GRETA’s report and the Committee of the Parties’ recommendation on the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Cyprus took place in Nicosia on 4 March 2013.

The meeting brought together some 22 representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations who discussed ways in which the Council of Europe can support Cyprus in its anti-trafficking efforts.

GRETA’s Evaluation Report and the Committee of the Parties’ Recommendation on Cyprus

“Delays and obstructions in mutual co-operation in criminal matters are in the interest of traffickers and seriously penalise victims of trafficking”, recalled the President of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)

Trafficking in human beings remains a burning issue, which is why the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Interparliamentary Assembly and the Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) organised together, for the first time, a round-table on this subject on 18 April 2012 in St. Petersburg. The event brought together some one hundred participants, including parliamentarians, public officials from CIS countries, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, researchers and representatives of non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations.

In an opening statement at the outset of the round-table, Ms Maud de Boer Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, recalled the pioneering role of the pan-European organisation in combating this abominable scourge which affects millions of women, men and children and stressed that the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings “provides States with effective tools to prevent trafficking, protect its victims and prosecute traffickers”.

Proceedings of the round-table : English - Russian