Annexes to COM(2021)171 - EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings 2021- 2025 - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2021)171 - EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings 2021- 2025. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2021)171  |
| date | April 14, 2021 |
76 For example, the EUBAM Libya mission and the operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI.
77 On 19 November 2018, the Council and the Member States adopted conclusions on the establishment of a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) compact. See Council Conclusions: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/11/19/civilian-common-security-and-defence-policy-eu-strengthens-its-capacities-to-act//.
78 Council Conclusions on EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe 2020-2022, 9283/20. 13 July 2020.
79 SDG 5.2 (violence against all women and girls); SDG 8.7 (forced labour and human trafficking) and SDG 16.2 (violence against and torture of children).
The Commission welcomes the recently adopted EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime,80 which allows the European Union to target individuals, entities and bodies responsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. The sanctions regime enables the Council to impose travel bans, asset freezes and the prohibition to make funds or economic resources available to listed individuals and entities.
Key actions:
The Commission will:
- Adopt an EU Action Plan against Migrant Smuggling (2021-2025);
- Step up cooperation with non-EU countries of origin and transit of victims as well as with international and regional partners, including international organisations;
- Use the dedicated human rights and security dialogues in engaging with partner countries;
- Enhance cooperation with the Council of Europe and its Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in human beings;
- Support the European External Action Service’s systematic engagement of EU delegations in specific countries by regular and targeted communication, action and exchange of information.
The Commission invites Member States to:
- Enhance information sharing and criminal intelligence on trafficking and related crimes and criminal networks; and facilitate cross-border and international operational and judicial cooperation in countries affected by trafficking notably in the Western Balkans, countries in the Neighbourhood, Africa, the Middle East, and South-East Asia, including with support from EU agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust.
7. Conclusion
Trafficking in human beings is a serious and complex crime, which mostly affects women and children. It brings enormous revenues to criminals while causing tremendous suffering to victims and high costs to our society. Despite progress made over the last decade to reinforce the Union’s response against trafficking in human beings, the threat of being trafficked remains high for any vulnerable person. Trafficking in human beings impacts the fabric of society, rule of law and sustainable development in EU Member States and in our partner countries.
With this strategy, the Commission sets out a renewed commitment and a strong policy framework to protect vulnerable individuals from being trafficked, to empower victims, to bring perpetrators to justice, and to safeguard our communities. Women and children are at the centre of this commitment.
80 Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses; OJ L 410I , 7.12.2020; and Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses; O.J.L-410 I, 7.12.2020.
The priorities and actions set out in this strategy will be implemented in the period from 2021 to 2025. Meanwhile, the Commission will be ready to react swiftly to any new developments or trends based on continuous monitoring and analysis of how trafficking in human beings evolves – in the EU and beyond. Together, the EU and its Member States must stay ahead of criminals, users and exploiters of victims.
The Commission is committed to the timely and effective implementation of this strategy. As combatting trafficking in human beings needs the engagement of all, the Commission will work closely with all partners to maximise the impact of the foreseen actions. The EU anti-trafficking coordinator will help ensure coordination and coherence among EU institutions, EU agencies, Member States and international actors, in the implementation of this strategy. Joining forces in the fight against trafficking in human beings is essential for ensuring European security, protecting vulnerable people and the economy, and for the safeguarding of the rule of law and fundamental rights.
The Commission will also systematically monitor and report on the implementation of this Strategy, including to the European Parliament and the Council.