By Martin Banks
The commission has launched a new website designed to help provide additional support for victims of human trafficking.
The site, launched on Tuesday by home affairs commissioner Cecilia Malmström, is described as a “one-stop shop” for victims and those wishing to obtain information about trafficking.
The move comes a week after parliament formally endorsed a commission proposal for a directive on trafficking in human beings.
The website – http://ec.europa.eu/anti-trafficking – will include national information pages of what each member state does to support victims with details about legislation, action plans and international cooperation.
Speaking at a news conference, Malmström said, “The fight against trafficking in human beings is one of my top priorities.
“I hope this site will play an important part in that work as it will help practitioners, inform the public and provide support for victims of this horrific crime.
“The parliamentary vote was very welcome as we are now one step closer to more harmonised legislation across the EU.”
Speaking at the same conference, the EU’s newly-appointed anti-trafficking coordinator Myria Vassiliadou said, “I will do my best to ensure coherence and efficiency of both policies and efforts of those involved in the fight against trafficking.
“I hope this site will help raise awareness about trafficking while also contributing to the cooperation and mutual understanding among law-enforcement agencies and national authorities.”
The commission’s directive, tabled in March, will oblige member states to prosecute criminals responsible for trafficking and protect victims.
Once adopted, states will have two years to comply with the new rules.
