Press Release
The European Commission presented the EU Strategy on the fight against trafficking in human beings on 19th of June 2012.
The document states the elements of the ambitious medium term EU strategy on the eradication of human trafficking for 2012 - 2016.
According to the situation analysis – which involves the strategic objectives and the implementing measures - Hungary is a source country for victims of trafficking. The document summarizes the measures taken so far at EU and international level and draws attention to the complexity of the topic. The planned measures are based on 5 priorities: A. Identification, prevention and support of victims of trafficking in human beings, B. Strengthening prevention of trafficking in human beings, C. Improving prosecution of traffickers, D. Increasing coordination and cooperation between key players, coherence of policies, E. Expansion of knowledge concerning the problems of all forms of trafficking in human beings and effective management of these problems. Specific actions have been set out to all priorities and their implementation would contribute to the eradication of trafficking in human beings in the European Union. The most important areas of intervention are clearly defined among the measures. Reinforcement of child protection system, exploration of the opportunities to reduce demand, communication with the civil society, prevention of trafficker’s cash flows, financial clearance, collection of evidence for criminal prosecution, data collection and coordination at EU level are central elements of the strategy. Implementation of the strategy will be evaluated in every second year; the first report will be published in 2014.
Hungary welcomes the strategy paper. The Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and the replacing defines a strategic framework. Fight against trafficking in human beings shall be conducted on the basis of this framework after our national strategy currently in force will be expired. The national anti-trafficking coordination is ready to contribute actively to the realization of the strategy objectives. Hungary endeavours to use effectively cooperation opportunities and resources provided by the EU.
Budapest, 20th of June 2012
Ministry of Interior, Press Department