GRETA’s monitoring of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings has highlighted important gaps in the identification and protection of victims of trafficking among migrants and asylum seekers.

On 18 October 2024, GRETA recalls the legal obligations enshrined in the Convention to put in place adequate identification procedures which enable the detection of victims of trafficking, including among migrants and people seeking international protection, and to enable them to exercise the rights to assistance and protection. The Convention also recognises the importance for States Parties to enable migration to take place legally.

“States Parties to the Council of Europe Anti-trafficking Convention must uphold their commitment to combating human trafficking, and ensure that immigration policies do not prejudice the application of the protection measures provided by the Convention,” highlighted GRETA’s President. “It is crucial that people who have been trafficked are effectively identified and provided with support, unconditionally from their capacity or willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.”

For further details, please read the Statement from the Secretary-General on European Anti-Trafficking Day.