Defined as "modern slavery"[1], human trafficking is a serious crime against the person, often committed within the framework of organized criminal activity, a gross violation of fundamental human rights expressly prohibited under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The counteraction, prevention and punishment of the crime are laid down as main priorities in the strategic documents of the EU. The timely identification, referral, support and assistance of potential and actual victims of trafficking, as well as their full reintegration, is of paramount importance. [2]
Human trafficking devastates people's lives by depriving them of their dignity, freedom and basic rights. It is often a violent crime committed by organized crime networks. It should not be allowed in the modern world.
Human trafficking is deeply rooted in vulnerability to poverty, gender inequality, violence against women, lack of social integration, lack of employment and access to education, discrimination and child labour, lack of democratic culture, armed conflict and post-conflict situations. . For the reasons stated above, dealing with this widespread phenomenon requires a multidisciplinary approach involving representatives of different professional fields.
Human trafficking is the trade in human beings for the purpose of modern slavery - exploitation, forced labor, restriction of personal freedom, as well as all other actions that are part of the trafficking process (e.g. recruitment of victims, transportation, concealment, detention, etc.) . Exploitation is always initiated and sustained through the use of force, threats, deception, abuse of power or position of dependence. In cases of coercion and fraud, the victim's (initial) consent is irrelevant. Trafficking and exploitation of children is always a crime, even when the elements of threat, coercion, abuse of power, etc. are not available. Human trafficking seeks profit (or some other benefit) by exploiting the victim.
[1] The EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012–2016
[2] DIRECTIVE 2011/36/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL EU Strategy to Eliminate Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016
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