Brussels, 14/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Those involved in the trafficking of human beings will receive tougher sentences and their victims greater protection and assistance, thanks to new European legislation adopted by the Parliament on Tuesday. The votes in favour of this legislation were 643, 10 were against, and there were 14 abstentions. The new rules will apply to trafficking in the sex industry and exploitation at work, for example, on building sites, farming or domestic service. Anna Hedh (S&D, Sweden), the rapporteur for the civil liberties committee, declared: “We are going to create a more difficult environment for the traffickers of human beings and better protection for the victims”. The new directive defines maximum penalties of at least five years' imprisonment or in certain aggravated circumstances, 10 years in prison in all EU member states. Victims will benefit from accommodation, material aid and medical attention, including psychological counselling, advice and information. Legal advice and representation is expected to be free or least when the victim does not have sufficient financial resources. Victims of human trafficking will also have access to witness protection programmes and compensation allocation systems. Once this legislation has been approved, member states will have two years to transpose it. On Tuesday, the European Commission decided to appoint Myria Vassiliadou to the position of European Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. Vassiliadou, from Cyprus, is currently Secretary General for the European Women's Lobby, EWL. (B.C./transl.fl)