Brussels, 06/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - A European Conference on the prevention and fight against the trafficking of human beings will be held from 18 to 20 September in Brussels. Some 600 participants are expected at the conference that is to result in the adoption of a "Declaration of Brussels", the aim of which is still to be defined. The Conference is organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States. Participants will represent the Member States, candidate countries, governmental and non-governmental organisations and countries, essentially European countries, involved in the trafficking of human beings (Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Russia …). The first two days will be devoted to discussion on prevention, then on aid to victims, and finally to judiciary and police cooperation. A summary of the matter will be given on Friday morning. The final declaration, that should give a summary of the debates, will not be put the vote of the participants.
What is the point of this conference? Presenting the conference to the press on Wednesday, its organisers assured that the final text will "not only consist of vague declarations but will make it possible to put concrete ideas forward to serve as a base for strengthened cooperation". Nils-Henrik Sjölinder, from the European Commission, cited cooperation with candidate countries, the development of cooperation between NGOs and Member States and the States of origin of those who are victims of trafficking, or the strengthening of police cooperation. Peter von Bethfalvy, regional IOM representative in Brussels, hopes to "discuss something new, to see if there is need for a specific structure, institution, agency or advisory board" but he will only put this idea forward if participants are in favour. Danish and Czech Prime Ministers, the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Commission are invited to open the debate, but it has still to be confirmed whether they will attend or not. (For the full agenda see: http://www.belgium.iom.int ).