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UN Security Council calls for strengthened efforts to combat trafficking in persons

Xinhua, December 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Wednesday called on member states to improve their implementation of legal obligations to combat trafficking in persons, while strengthening efforts to disrupt this crime.

In a presidential statement adopted here, the 15-nation council noted that people trafficking undermines the rule of law and contributes to other forms of transnational organized crime, which can exacerbate conflict and foster insecurity.

The UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol on trafficking in persons have provided a framework to effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons, said the statement.

The council therefore called on states signatories to this convention and to the protocol to redouble their efforts to implement them effectively.

The UN convention, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000, serves as the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime. The convention is further supplemented by three protocols, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish trafficking in persons.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said to the council that "this ruthless practice has become a global industry and it must be stopped."

"The plight of women and girls held by groups such as Da'esh and Boko Haram is tragically well known," said Eliasson. "This Council has heard reports on almost 20 countries engulfed in conflict or trying to recover from conflict, where these practices are widespread."

In this regard, Eliasson urged all States to become party to international treaties against trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, corruption and slavery, as well as treaties that protect human rights, especially the rights of women and children. Endit