Reports and Publications

A Call for Action published by the Human Rights Directorate

On the 29th of July 2022, Human Rights Directorate issued a CALL FOR ACTION TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS co-ordinated and reported by the Initiatives Unit which includes a General Overview on the positive obligations to fight this complex and multi-faceted crime and gross violation of human rights concerning all States in including Malta, the Local Context including information on the national anti-trafficking legislation and policies, Feedback on the implementation of the current National Action Plan​ on Human Trafficking 2020-2023 and the measures implemented related to the 4Ps (Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships) following a Consultation Process carried out by the Initiatives Unit with national Stakeholders, the Management of the Initiative, a Timeline of events and the Required National Cooperation Response & Action to reach the national targets. The Document also includes a comprehensive summary of the Malta: Country Report: Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report – June 2022 and the Conclusions and Recommendations for Malta following the official visit by OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings among other recommendations by the Council Of Europe’s GRETA and the European Commission. 

During a networking meeting, all Ministries received a copy of this document and were requested to submit a Ministerial Action Plan on trafficking by e​nd of year 2022, whose actions are expected to be included in the Strategy and Action Plan post-2023.


​GRETA Recommendations

​The Gro​up of Experts against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. GRETA carries out country visits and draws up and publishes country reports evaluating legislative and other measures taken by Parties to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Malta has ratified the Convention on 30th January 2008 and is currently in its 3rd Evaluation Round. In 2021 Malta has received its set of Recommendations on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (Rec(2021)06) which were adopted on 17th December 2021 and are to be implemented by 17th December 2023.




Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report

​Every year, the US Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking analyses the government's efforts to stop human trafficking and compiles its findings in the Trafficking in Persons Report. The research analyses international initiatives to stop human trafficking by holding traffickers accountable, protecting victims, and preventing the crime. The report classifies countries into three Tiers, Tier 1 being the most high ranking, and includes a set of recommendations which may result in higher classification if implemented.

The latest report was published in July 2022 in a press release by Anthony J. Blinken, Secretary of State. According to the latest report issued in July 2022, Malta​ has remained in Tier 2. Click below to view the recommendations made to Malta.



EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025)

On 14 April 2021, the Commission adopted a new EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025). With this Strategy, there will be a thorough reaction to the crime, from prevention to victim empowerment and traffickers' prosecution. The Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings is strongly tied to the EU Strategy to Tackle Organised Crime (2021-2025) since organised crime groups frequently engage in human trafficking.

The strategy builds on EU's legal and policy framework in place to address trafficking in human beings, rooted in the Anti-trafficking Directive. The Strategy focuses on:​
  • reducing demand that fosters trafficking
  • breaking the business model of traffickers through effective operational means against the criminal business model, tackling the culture of impunity by building capacity for a robust criminal justice response, as well as the digital business model of traffickers
  • protecting, supporting and empowering the victims with a specific focus on women and children
  • promoting international cooperation


EU Common Anti-Trafficking Plan to address the risks of trafficking in human beings and support potential victims among those fleeing the war in Ukraine

To protect people fleeing the war in Ukraine, today, the EU Solidarity Platform presented a tailor-made Common Anti-Trafficking Plan to address the risks of trafficking in human beings and support potential victims. The EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Diane Schmitt, developed the plan together with EU agencies and countries.

The Common Anti-Trafficking plan delivers one of the goals set in the 10 Point Action Plan to better coordinate EU actions for welcoming people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The plan builds on the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings and carefully follows the EU Anti-trafficking Directive. It sets forward five goals:

1.   Strengthen awareness regarding risks of trafficking in human beings and setting up dedicated helplines
2.   Reinforce prevention against trafficking in human beings
3.   Enhancing law enforcement and judicial response to trafficking in human beings
4.   Improving early identification, support and protection of human trafficking victims
5.   Addressing the risks of trafficking in human beings in non-EU countries, especially Ukraine and Moldova

The above goals will be pursued through concrete actions on EU level and through recommendations to EU countries.​
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