Retour Side event to the 22nd High Level conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons

“Unconditional support and access to residence on personal grounds is needed to uphold trafficked persons’ rights”
Side event to the 22nd High Level conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons

Introduction

This side event, scheduled on Tuesday, 5 April 9.30 - 11.00 CET, is organised by La Strada International (LSI), European NGO platform against human trafficking, in cooperation with LSI’s member LEFÖ IBF (Intervention Centre for Trafficked Women) and the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented migrants (PICUM). It is organised alongside the 22nd High Level Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons “Protection: upholding victims’ rights and strengthening assistance” taking place from 4-6 April 2022.

Description of the event

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 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 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.

This 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.

Language of the event: English

Register here

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 Beings
  • 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
Online 5 April 2022
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page