Trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation is on the rise in Europe, affecting increasing numbers of women, men, and children.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted, on 27 September 2022, a Recommendation on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation. The recommendation calls on Council of Europe member States to adopt national laws, policies, and strategies, following a human rights-based and victim-centred approach, and strengthening the labour market regulation. It supplements the existing legally binding instruments in particular the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and draws on the monitoring work and guidance of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the conclusions and decisions of the European Committee of Social Rights.
The recommendation’s Explanatory memorandum contains a comprehensive set of measures in the areas of prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. It also contains measures to ensure that businesses and public organisations act with due diligence and map and tackle the risks of trafficking in human beings in their supply chains and procurement.
FOREWORD RECOMMENDATION CM/REC(2022)21 EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM I. Prevention
Labour market regulation
II. Protection
Victim identification
Assistance and protection
Access to compensation and other remedies
Non-punishment provision
Protecting child victims of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation
III. Prosecution
Understanding the causal link between labour law breaches and trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation
Detection, investigation and prosecution
IV. Partnerships and international co-operation
V. Action to enable corporate responsibility and enforce corporate liability
