Ms. Pavla Burešová, Chair of the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs, known as the Santiago de Compostela Convention, presented the Committee’s work to the Group of Rapporteurs on Legal Cooperation of the Committee of Ministers (GR-J).

She noted that the Santiago de Compostela Convention is the only binding international criminal law instrument specifically dedicated to combating trafficking in human organs.

In particular, the Chair presented the findings of the first monitoring round report, focused on prevention and awareness-raising, as well as the launch of a second monitoring round dedicated to strengthening legal frameworks and implementation mechanisms.

The Committee’s work was also presented, highlighting its deep concern regarding the growing phenomenon of online platforms that promote and facilitate international travel for the purpose of transplantation, the financial neutrality of organ donation and transplantation, and the distinction between trafficking in human organs and human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal—areas in which it is continuing its work.

She emphasised the importance of cooperation with the health sector, particularly with healthcare professionals, transplant authorities, and medical institutions. This cooperation also extends to several Council of Europe bodies and networks, including the Steering Committee on Human Rights in the Fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO), the European Committee on Organs, Tissues, and Cells (CD-P-TO), and its NETTA network.

The Chair also welcomed recent progress regarding the geographic scope of the Convention, with the ratification by Azerbaijan and the signatures of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands. Now comprising 16 States Parties, the Convention remains open for accession by States from all regions. She called for broader participation to strengthen the common legal framework and international cooperation.

Finally, she addressed the new risks associated with the Internet, social media, and artificial intelligence, which can facilitate illicit organ transplantation arrangements and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. These issues were also discussed in the context of the International Day Against Trafficking in Human Organs.