Communication on the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings 2021-2025

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 14 April 2021, setting out a new strategy aimed at tackling human trafficking for the period 2021-2025.

Further information:

Trafficking in human beings destroys individuals’ lives by depriving people of their dignity, freedom and fundamental rights. Combatting human trafficking has therefore long been a priority for the European Union (EU). Despite the progress achieved, it remains a serious threat to individuals.

This strategy identifies key priorities with the objective of combatting trafficking in human beings more effectively. It proposes concrete actions, which are to be developed in respect of fundamental rights, to identify and stop trafficking early on, to go after criminals by turning trafficking from a low-risk and high-return crime to high-risk and low-return crime, and to protect the victims and help them rebuild their lives. It includes actions focusing on:

• Reducing demand that fosters trafficking;
• Breaking the business model of traffickers;
• Protecting, supporting and empowering the victims with a specific focus on women and children;
• Promoting international cooperation.

It builds on the EU's existing legal and policy framework in place to address trafficking in human beings, rooted in Directive 2011/36/EU - the Anti-Trafficking Directive.

• Alternative Source 1

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 14/04/2021: Fighting trafficking in human beings: New strategy to prevent trafficking, break criminal business models, protect and empower victims https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1663

European Commission: EU Strategy to tackle Organised Crime & EU Strategy on combatting Trafficking in Human Beings: Questions and Answers (14 April 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_1664

European Commission: Press remarks by Vice-President Schinas on EU Strategies to tackle Organised Crime and fight Trafficking in Human Beings (14 April 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_21_1745

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