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 end of year 2022, whose actions are expected to be included in the Strategy and Action Plan post-2023.
GRETA Recommendations
The Group 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.
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
Trafficking in Persons Report for the Year 2023 was published on 15th June by the United States Department of State. The report concluded that the Government of Malta demonstrated significant efforts to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking compared with the previous reporting periods. These achievements included investigating and prosecuting more suspected traffickers, updating its National Action Plan, increasing funding for victim assistance, and continuing to provide a trafficking awareness campaign for the third consecutive year. The government also hosted a regional training and a series of seminars, which included trafficking survivor panelists. However, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity, Malta remained on Tier 2.
EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025)
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
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.
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.