The Council of Europe Network of specialised lawyers and NGOs providing legal assistance to victims of trafficking in human beings (“the Network”) was established in 2016. The Network facilitates regular exchanges and promotes the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (“the Convention”) and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The members of the Network affirm their commitment to the values and principles set out below and pledge to uphold them in all activities and interactions with the aim of fostering a safe and respectful working environment.

  1. Commitment to the principles of human rights and the values of the Council of Europe

The members of the Network shall uphold and promote the principles of international human rights law, including those enshrined in the Convention and shall adhere to the values of the Council of Europe, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

  1. Commitment to supporting victims of all forms of human trafficking

The members of the Network shall demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting victims of trafficking in human beings across all levels and areas of the justice system by advancing victims’ legal representation, ensuring their access to justice and to effective remedies, and upholding their substantive and procedural rights in legal proceedings, thereby ensuring that victims’ claims are duly heard and that they receive appropriate redress. In doing so, the members of the Network shall apply a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach, recognising that experiences of trafficking and barriers to justice may differ depending on gender, age, disability, migration or residence status, and other personal circumstances. They shall also promote cross-sectoral and international co-operation to enhance access to justice and effective remedies for victims of trafficking.

  1. Equality and non-discrimination

The members of the Network shall foster an inclusive environment and refrain from all forms of discrimination, including on any grounds such as sex, gender, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, age, state of health, disability, marital or parental status, or migration or refugee status.

  1. Confidentiality and privacy

The members of the Network shall protect the confidentiality of all sensitive information obtained during activities conducted within the Network and in exchanges with the Anti-trafficking Division of the Council of Europe (providing the Secretariat of the Network), which includes an obligation of non-disclosure to third parties. Confidentiality extends to, but is not limited to, non-public information related to the work of the Council of Europe, personal data concerning victims and clients, and information pertaining to other members of the Network, particularly those operating in high-risk environments, in compliance with applicable data protection law. Members shall ensure the secure handling, storage and transmission of digital information relating to victims, cases and Network activities.

  1. Professionalism and integrity

The members of the Network shall adhere to the highest professional standards of conduct and integrity in all activities undertaken within the framework of the Network, including participating only in the Network’s meetings for legitimate professional purposes aligned with its objectives, such as professional development, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and the fostering of professional co-operation.

  1. Respect, collegiality and professional conduct

The members of the Network shall engage with one another and the Secretariat in a spirit of mutual respect and cultural sensitivity and shall commit to addressing any conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner. They shall refrain from any acts or speech that may endanger, discredit, embarrass, undermine, or adversely affect the well-being of others.

  1. Transparency and communication

The members of the Network shall ensure transparent, timely and accurate communication with the Secretariat and with one another on all matters relating to the activities of the Network. They shall share relevant information, including any constraints or changes affecting their participation, respond to communications within a reasonable time, and seek clarification where needed to support effective co-operation and trust within the Network.

  1. Information sharing

The members of the Network are encouraged to proactively share any national or international developments in the field of trafficking in human beings of which they become aware, including changes in legislation, policy, or institutional responses, as well as significant trends in public debate or advocacy relevant to the field, with other members and the Secretariat.

  1. Conflicts of interest

The members of the Network shall avoid, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise in the exercise of their professional activities within or related to the Network. Where a conflict exists or may reasonably be perceived to exist, members shall promptly disclose it to the Secretariat and any affected parties, refrain from participating in the relevant decision-making or activities until the conflict is resolved. Members shall not use non-public information obtained through the Network to the detriment of victims of trafficking or the Council of Europe.

  1.   Reporting

The members of the Network shall uphold these values and principles by promptly reporting to the Secretariat any serious incident or breach, or well-founded concern about such a breach, arising in the context of Network activities. The Secretariat shall examine such reports and, where appropriate, take any follow-up action within its remit.