The Salvation Army participates for first time at EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings
The Salvation Army EU Affairs Office recently participated in the EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings. The Platform brings together over 100 European civil society organisations and serves as a forum for civil society organisations working at European, national and local levels, in the field of human rights, children's rights, women's rights and gender equality, migrants' rights and shelters.
During the event, the European Commission presented the 'Transposition' and 'Users' Report, highlighting areas needing improvement and areas of achievement in terms of implementing the 2011 Directive on Human Trafficking. The Directive is seen as a ‘milestone’ in the area of human trafficking. As a result of the Directive, there are now minimum rules to be applied throughout the EU with a comprehensive legal framework necessary regarding criminal measures, investigations and prosecutions, assistance, support and protection measures, prevention, NREMs and coordination. Areas for more action needed mentioned were specific child protection measures, presumption of childhood and child age assessment , protection before and during criminal proceedings in particular the protection of child victims in criminal investigations and proceedings. The Salvation Army highlighted our recommendation to extend the reflection period to at least 45 days to give victims a chance to trust the social workers and eventually more likely to cooperate with the police – recover from trauma and receive psychological support .
The Commission said it will assist Member States and continue monitoring of the Directive to ensure full compliance and where necessary infringement procedures will be launched.
The Commission also explained that as the current EU strategy towards the Eradication of THB comes to an end this year (2016), a targeted consultation with a wide range of stakeholders for the Post – 2016 Framework has been completed and that they will present the new policy framework during the first quarter of 2017. The Salvation Army has only recently joined this Platform and hopes to be consulted on future EU strategy and policy development.
Tags: Europe