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On Tuesday 29 June, the Council of Europe has an opportunity to
provide victims of trafficking with such vital protection as reflection
periods and short-term residency permits with the discussion of
a European Convention on human trafficking.
The Council of Europe's Ad Hoc Committee on Action Against Trafficking
in Human Beings (CAHTEH) is meeting to discuss the draft of the
European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.
The Experts Group on Trafficking in Human Beings, formed by the
European Commission, is urging that the convention includes a reflection
period of at least three months to all people suspected of being
trafficked, regardless of whether the person agrees to co-operate
in an investigation or prosecution, followed by a renewable temporary
residence permit.
"It is crucial that when a person is identified as having
been trafficked, they are immediately allowed to stay in the country
for at least three months, allowing them time to assess their situation
and to receive specialist help and support in a safe environment.
This support should be based solely on their being the victim of
a terrible crime," Mary Cunneen Director of Anti-Slavery
International and member of the Experts Group on Trafficking in
Human Beings says.
This breathing period is vital not only to protecting the trafficked
person, but also to disrupt the traffickers' network. In Europe,
women, children and men are trafficked from countries within the
EU, neighbouring countries, Asia, Africa, and former Soviet republics
into sexual exploitation and forced labour, including domestic slavery,
construction work and agricultural labour.
Trafficking is the fastest growing form of slavery today. According
to the latest US Government report an estimated 600,000-800,000
people are trafficked across borders each year forced through coercion,
deception and violence into slavery.
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