Trafficking in Human Beings and Gender – the EU Perspective
(Brussels, 30 September 2013) EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström delivered a statement at the Ministerial Round Table concluding the Inter-ministerial conference: "The New York Convention 65 years later: observations and new perspectives", co-organized by Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister for Home Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Joëlle Milquet and the Minister for Women’s Rights of France, Najat Vallaud Belkacem in Brussels on 30 September 2013.
In her speech Commissioner Malmström stressed that human trafficking is a gross human rights violation. She highlighted that eradicating human trafficking must take into account the gendered dimension thereof and that we must take action to reduce demand for sexual exploitation, including by considering to criminalise those who knowingly use the services of victims of trafficking. She further stressed the links between trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation and prostitution. She further highlighted that trafficking of women and girls is a form of violence against women, which is rooted in gender inequalities and in sex discrimination. Commissioner Malmström stressed that it is crucial that all EU Member States transpose the EU Human Trafficking Directive, and make sure its provisions are fully implemented.
