The Phenomenon of Trafficking in Human Beings in the International and European Documents

Abstract

Trafficking in human beings is considered to be the modern slavery. In the last few decades, it has spread and is continuing to spread all across the world due to its high-demand character and also due to the complex transborder network of organised crime working underground. In order to counteract this phenomenon, there needs to be a similarly complex network of international actors, such as international organisations, states, NGOs and all the other actors involved, which intensively and efficiently cooperate in order to prevent THB, prosecute offenders and protect victims. Most counter trafficking efforts have accelerated after 2000, when the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children was adopted. Therefore, in the area of legal measures, much has been done, but in the area of gathering data, prosecution of offenders and protection and assistance of victims there is still much to be done. This article will make a general overview of the most important EU documents issued in the area of counter trafficking, in addition to the UN Protocol, assessing the legal and policy framework that is already in place in the EU concerning this aspect.