NCJ Number
211335
Date Published
2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This is the text of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.
Abstract
The preamble notes that "trafficking in human beings constitutes a violation of human rights and an offense to the dignity and the integrity of the human being" and that "respect for victims' rights, protection of victims, and action to combat trafficking in human beings" must be paramount objectives for member states of the Council of Europe. A Convention chapter on prevention, cooperation, and other measures contains articles on the prevention of trafficking in human beings, measures to discourage the demand, border measures, the security and control of documents, and the legitimacy and validity of documents. A chapter on measures to protect and promote the rights of victims contains articles on victim identification, privacy protection, victim assistance, the recovery and reflection period, residence permit, compensation and legal redress, repatriation and return of victims, and gender equality. A chapter on substantive criminal law has articles on the criminalization of trafficking in human beings, the use of services of a victim, and acts relating to travel or identity documents; attempt and aiding or abetting; corporate liability; sanctions and measures; aggravating circumstances; previous convictions; and a nonpunishment provision. A chapter on investigation, prosecution, and procedural law includes articles an ex parte and ex officio applications; the protection of victims, witnesses, and collaborators with judicial authorities; specialized authorities and coordinating bodies; court proceedings; and jurisdiction. Other chapters address international cooperation and cooperation with civil society, the monitoring mechanism, the Committee of the Parties, relationship with other international instruments, amendments to the Convention, and final clauses.