Regional cooperation
Human trafficking is a global issue, a violation of human rights, and a threat to human dignity. It is a complex phenomenon in its causes and effects, multifaceted and sectoral, with implications affecting various branches of society. To effectively combat this crime, a comprehensive approach is necessary.
Therefore, efforts to address it must be coordinated. International instruments such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, as well as the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, are structured around what the UN Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons refers to as the “4 Ps”:
Prevent trafficking
Protect and assist victims
Prosecute perpetrators
Promote partnerships to strengthen coordination
This comprehensive approach requires states to address trafficking in its multiple aspects and ensures coherence in the measures taken. It enables the articulation of different normative provisions and encourages coordinated and complementary interactions among the stakeholders responsible for their implementation. Among the stakeholders involved in the fight against trafficking are UN agencies and other international organizations, regional organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, civil society, as well as the private sector and the general public. Each of these actors makes a valuable contribution to combating human trafficking, from raising awareness and prevention, to providing care and assistance to victims, and strengthening actions against traffickers.
The international instruments adopted, such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, or the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, are organized around what the United Nations Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Human Beings refers to as “the 4 Ps”:
Regional cooperation initiatives carried out in partnership with the Council of Europe include the development of regional campaigns and tools, the implementation of regional training programs, as well as simulations for the care of trafficking victims. Details of the activities developed by the Council of Europe can be found below:
Regional simulations
Regional trainings allow participants to strengthen their knowledge of trafficking in human beings and to establish a common language of trafficking and of the fight against this crime in order to better cooperate.
Regional trainings
Regional simulations provide a unique framework for participants to learn about techniques for assisting victims of trafficking and to cooperate with different stakeholders. They also allow for the introduction and testing of regional initiatives for the protection of victims of trafficking.
Regional campaigns and tools
Regional campaigns and tools are developed within the framework of the simulations to facilitate the identification and referral of victims of trafficking.
