Brussels, 18/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - Most of the member states of the EU are not issuing enough residence permits to victims of trafficking in human beings, according to a report published on Monday by the European Commission, to mark World Anti-Trafficking Day. “We cannot accept that, while several hundred thousand victims are estimated to be trafficked every year within and into the EU, only a few thousand victims are assisted”, said Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs. This bitter finding is drawn from a report published by the Commission on the implementation of the 2004 directive governing the issuing of residence permits to victims of trafficking.
Protection not uniform across the EU. In its report, however, the European Commission notes that although the number of victims varies considerably between certain member states, from several hundred to 2,000 per year, the annual number of residence permits issued on the basis of the directive is rarely above 20. In some member states, a very high number of residence permits was issued (Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Germany), in some cases more than 100 per year. In other member states, the figures are considerably lower, varying in most cases between one and 20 per year (the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Poland and Sweden). In yet other member states, no residence permits were issued in application of the measures transposing the directive, or no information was communicated (Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).
More rights for the victims. “Trafficking in human beings, whether it is called forced labour or sexual exploitation, is a terrible crime and should be called by its right name: modern slavery. Fighting it is a top priority for me and we must mobilise all instruments of action to reinforce prevention, law enforcement and victim protection”, Malmström stressed. As a result, the Commission has indicated that it would examine all cases which have given rise to problems with the application of the 2004 directive. It may also look into the need to make changes to the text, in order to improve the fight against the trafficking in human beings and to step up the protection available to the victims. These changes could include the possibility for the victim to be granted a temporary residence permit due to his or her vulnerable situation, without necessarily having to cooperate with the competent authorities. The directive could also be changed to specify the length of the reflection period for the victims, to reinforce the framework of treatment, particularly for minors, and to consolidate the obligation to make the victims aware of their rights. In March 2010, the European Commission presented a new proposed directive. As well as harmonising the substantive criminal law, the new proposal makes it possible to improve the protection and assistance provided to the victims and boosts prevention. It also enshrines the principle that victims of trafficking in human beings cannot be punished for any crimes they were forced to commit. In addition, a new strategy for fighting trafficking and measures aiming to protect and assist its victims are scheduled for 2011. Lastly, the Commission intends to create, in the very near future, a website bringing together all European policies and legislations to fight this plague. (B.C./transl.fl)