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Brussels, 18.10.2005
Fighting human trafficking - an integrated approach and proposals foran action plan
In the Communication to the Parliament and to the Council, the Commission discusses recommendations which should aid in the
prevention of human trafficking both in the EU and the Member States. It summarizes what has been done on both a European
and international level. It enunciates what the next steps to be taken are andstrengthens both the European Union's and the
Member States'commitment to combating human trafficking.
The approach is human rights orientated, with the protection and assistance of victims constituting the central task for Member
States, EU institutions and civil society. Furthermore, the document focuses on reinforcing the prohibition, with regards
to both human trafficking and illegal immigration into Europe, since both phenomena are deeply intertwined.
The role of Europol is seen as particularly important when looking at the transnational dimension of human trafficking. This
means that checks and surveillance at the external borders have to be improved by the Commission in order to enhance the fight
against illegal immigration. This should also include targeted checks at crossing points in the EU's external bordersand a
Common Visa Information policy.
The very complex phenomenon of human trafficking can only be tackled with an adequate specialization of politics and law enforcement
in human trafficking and labour exploitation. It is also fundamental that both, politics and society as a whole, continue
to follow up on developments that may occur in this area.
Member states must provide the necessary organisational structures required as well as communicating and co-operating with
other states, especially with developing countries so that a human rights culture may be fostered.
In order to improve thestatus of trafficked persons, the Member States should swiftlytransposeDirective 2004/81/EC.
In the fields of prevention, research and in the communication with states of origin special attention must be given tothe
most vulnerable, women and children.
In general, the collection of data becomes more important. Therefore, the recently establishedEuropean Union Agency for Fundamental
Rightswill work in close co-operation with the European Migration Network (EMN).
The Commission also recommends National Referral Mechanisms.
A good practice example of a regional initiative is the Nordic Baltic Task Force.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52005DC0514:EN:NOT
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