EU report calls for renewed efforts to fight human trafficking

The European Commission here on Thursday adopted a report tracking progress in the fight against human trafficking, calling on the EU member states to step up their efforts.

The report found that in 2013-2014, 15,846 women, men, girls and boys were registered as victims of trafficking in the European Union(EU). Given the complexity of reporting on this phenomenon, the actual number of victims is likely to be substantially higher than those registered by national authorities.

According to the report, trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is still the most widespread form. Over three quarters of the registered victims were women, while at least 15 percent were children.

The report examined progress made and highlighted key challenges that the EU and its member states need to address as a priority.

It also highlighted links between human trafficking and other forms of crime and the exploitation of the most vulnerable in the context of the current migration crisis as well as an increased use of the internet and new technologies to recruit victims.

According to the report, EU member states need to fully and correctly implement the EU Anti-trafficking Directive to increase the number of investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators, establish appropriate mechanisms for the early identification and protection of victims and enhance measures to prevent the trafficking of human beings. Enditem