Belarus has today become the first country outside the Council of Europe to join the organisation's legally-binding convention on action against trafficking in human beings.

Belarusian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihar Shunevich formally ratified the convention following discussions in Strasbourg with Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland.

This means that the Council of Europe's group of international experts on trafficking, GRETA, will be able to publicly assess steps taken by Belarus to help prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute offenders.

A committee of national representatives will also be able to make formal recommendations to Belarus on any improvements which are needed.

The Council of Europe's anti-trafficking convention was adopted in 2005. It has been ratified by 40 of the organisation's 47 member states, and is also open to countries around the world.

Trafficking in human beings - GRETA website
Treaty Office website