Final Report on the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2020-2023)
The FINAL REPORT on the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2020-2023) was published on 8th July 2024 under Action 14 of Malta’s sixth national action plan to combat human trafficking. The actions sought to address the major aspects of the fight against human trafficking with a particular focus on awareness and prevention, although efforts in other spheres, including prosecution, are also pursued by the entities concerned.
On the 29th of July 2022, the Human Rights Directorate issued a Call For Action To Combat Trafficking In Human Beings co-ordinated by the Human Rights Initiatives Unit.The document includes a general overview on the positive obligations to fight this complex and multi-faceted crime. It also includes information on the Local Context including the national anti-trafficking legislation and policies, and feedback on the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking 2020-2023. 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.
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.
Malta has ratified the Convention on 30th January 2008 andin 2021 received its set of Recommendations on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (Rec(2021)06).
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 highest ranking, and includes a set of recommendations which may result in higher classification if implemented.
On 14th April 2021, the Commission adopted a new EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025). 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:
