New EU anti-trafficking strategy urges to create safe environments for victims
On 14 April, the European Commission released the new EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025). The strategy remains largely focused on criminal law responses, but some attention is paid to initiatives on corporate governance, protection support and empowerment of victims, which would lead to a more human-rights based approach to anti-trafficking. The strategy invites EU governments to create safe environments for victims to report crime without fear of prosecution for acts they were forced to commit, or being exposed to secondary victimisation, intimidation or retaliation. Challenges around access to residence permits and reflection periods for non-EU citizens and Dublin transfers are also mentioned.
New EU anti-trafficking strategy urges to create safe environments for victims
On 14 April, the European Commission released the new EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025). The strategy remains largely focused on criminal law responses, but some attention is paid to initiatives on corporate governance, protection support and empowerment of victims, which would lead to a more human-rights based approach to anti-trafficking. The strategy invites EU governments to create safe environments for victims to report crime without fear of prosecution for acts they were forced to commit, or being exposed to secondary victimisation, intimidation or retaliation. Challenges around access to residence permits and reflection periods for non-EU citizens and Dublin transfers are also mentioned.