Overview of International organizations Active in the Fight Against THB (April 2010)

BSPC Working Group on Civil Security/Trafficking MemoSecretariat9.3.2010/Update 19.4.2010Selected Basic Texts and Activities by International Organizations Concerning the Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)0. IntroductionThis memo contains a cursory overview over the main actors and activities within the field of fight against trafficking in human beings (THB). The texts are mainly based on excerpts from the organization ́s homepages. The list is by no means exhaustive; the organizations mentioned here usually run more activities than the ones exemplified. Moreover, there are several other organizations and actors engaged in the fight against THB than the ones mentioned here. Adding to that, programmes and measures against THB undertaken by individual states are not included in this compilation.It is clear even from this short overview that- There is a wide array of initiatives and means to perpetuate the fight against THB, which in turn is testimony of a deep and wide engagement;- There seems to exist a fairly well developed practice of contacts and excgange between actors;- Shortcomings and setbacks in the fight against THB are persistent, e g regarding resource allocation and prosecution;- There is a continuous need to exert political pressure on governments and other responsible actors to sustain and step up the fight against THB.For the BSPC WG Civil Security/trafficking, it is a primary task to find out firstly, the specific comparative advantages and the added value that parliamentarians can bring to the fight against THB, and secondly, to find out in which specific issues or areas a parliamentary pressure is most likely to yield significant results in the fight against THB.1. The United NationsThe United Nations has launched numerous initiatives and actions against THB. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, adopted by General Assembly resolution 55/25 of 15 November 2000, is the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime. It was opened for signature by Member States at a High-level Political Conference convened for that purpose in Palermo, Italy, on 12-15 December 2000 and entered into force on 29 September 2003. The Convention is further supplemented by three Protocols, which target specific areas and manifestations of organized crime, among them the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (for texts, see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CTOC/index.html).The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (“Palermo Protocol”), was adopted by General Assembly resolution 55/25. It entered into force on 25 December 2003. It is the first global legally binding instrument with an agreed definition on trafficking in persons. The intention behind this definition is to facilitate convergence in national approaches with regard to the establishment of domestic criminal offences that would support efficient international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons cases. An additional objective of the Protocol is to protect and assist the victims of trafficking in persons with full respect for their human rights. To date, over 117 countries have signed the Palermo Protocol.Pursuant to article 32 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, a Conference of the Parties to the Convention was established to improve the capacity of States Parties to combat transnational organized crime and to promote and review the implementation of this Convention (see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CTOC/CTOC-COP.html). Its first meeting was held in 2004.The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has the primary responsibility for initiating and implementing UN activities within the field of THB. A description of its mandate and tasks, as well as definitions and analyses of trafficking etc, can be found on its website (http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/index.html?ref=menuside).In March 2007, UNODC launched the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT). Its purpose is to promote the global fight on human trafficking, on the basis of international agreements reached at the UN. (see: http://www.ungift.org/ungift/en/about/index.html).On 6 March 2009, UNODC launched the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking. The aim of the Campaign is to mobilize support and to inspire people to act against human trafficking. The Blue Heart Campaign, largely channeled through social media, raises awareness of the problem and inspires those with decision-making power to effect change. (see: http://www.unodc.org/blueheart/index.html).The Conference of Parties has established a number of Working Groups (see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CTOC/working-groups.html). At its fourth session, in 2008, the Conference of the Parties decided to establish a Working Group on Trafficking in Persons to advise and assist the Conference in the implementation of its mandate with regard to the Palermo Protocol (see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CTOC/working-group-on-trafficking-in-persons-protocol.html). The second and latest meeting of the WG was held 27-29 January 2010.In April 2009, UNODC, in cooperation with IPU and in the framework of UN.GIFT, published “Combating Trafficking in Persons. A Handbook for Parliamentarians” (see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/ipu-and-united-nations-join-forces-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons.html).On 9 October 2009, UN launched the International Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. The Framework is a technical assistance tool that supports United Nations Member States in the effective implementation of the Palermo Protocol, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (text: http://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/Framework_for_Action_TIP.pdf).1.1 UN OHCHR, UNHCRThe Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a department of the United Nations Secretariat, is mandated to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization, by all people, of all rights established in the Charter of the United Nations and in international human rights laws and treaties (see: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx). In 2002, OHCHR published a handbook titled Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking (see: http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/refworld/rwmain?page=category&docid=3f1fc60f4).The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide (see: http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c2.html). Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. UNCHR is active within the field of THB (for a current position paper from 2009, see: http://www.unhcr.org/4ae1a1099.html).1.2 UNICEFThe United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) is very active in the fight against Trafficking in Human Beings, especially children. It is, e g, operating a number of anti-trafficking projects in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.According to UNICEF, adopting and enforcing strong laws protecting children, overseeing government activity, allocating financial resources, raising awareness and providing advocacy are what parliamentarians can do to help alleviate children's suffering. In order to facilitate the activities in this field by parliamentarians, UNICEF together with IPU published in 2004 a Handbook for Parliamentarians on Child Protection (http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_21134.html). In 2005, it was followed by a Handbook for Parliamentarians on Combating Child Trafficking (http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_33882.html).Together with ILO and and the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT). UNICEF launched a “Training manual to fight trafficking in children for labour, sexual and other forms of exploitation” on 15 September 2009 (http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_exploitation.html). It is one of few manuals on trafficking that specifically focuses on children, includes a focus on labour issues, and is geared towards training. It is comprised of textbooks for self study and an exercise book with a menu of assignment options that trainers can choose from for tailor-made training courses. It also includes a facilitators’ guide for use by those facilitating training.1.3 ILOIn November 2001, following the publication of the first Global Report on forced labour, the ILO Governing Body created a Special Action Programme to combat Forced Labour (SAP-FL), as part of broader efforts to promote the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up (see: http://www.ilo.org/sapfl/AboutSAPFL/lang--en/index.htm).Since its inception, SAP-FL has been concerned to raise global awareness of forced labour in its different forms, as a necessary prerequisite for effective action against it. Several thematic and country-specific studies and surveys have since been undertaken, on such diverse aspects of forced labour as bonded labour, human trafficking, forced domestic work, rural servitude, and forced prison labour. SAP-FL has also assisted governments in developing and implementing new laws, policies and action plans; developed and disseminated guidance andtraining materials on key aspects of forced labour and trafficking; and implemented innovative programmes which combine policy development, capacity building and direct support for both prevention of forced labour and identification and rehabilitation of its victims. Together with the European Commission, ILO has developed harmonized definitions and associated indicators on trafficking. A first list of indicators was published in March 2009 (for the list, see: http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---declaration/documents/publication/wcms_105023.pdf).2. Council of Europe and PACEOn 3 May 2005, the Committee of Ministers adopted the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (CETS No. 197) (full text: http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/trafficking/Source/PDF_Conv_197_Trafficking_E.pdf). The Convention was opened for signature in Warsaw on 16 May 2005 on the occasion of the 3rd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe. On 24 October 2007, the Convention received its tenth ratification thereby triggering the process whereby it entered into force on 1 February 2008.While other international instruments already exist in this field, the Council of Europe Convention, the first European treaty in this field, is a comprehensive treaty focussing mainly on the protection of victims of trafficking and the safeguard of their rights. It also aims to prevent trafficking and to prosecute traffickers. In addition, the Convention provides for the setting up of an effective and independent monitoring mechanism capable of controlling the implementation of the obligations contained in the Convention. The Convention is not restricted to Council of Europe member states; non-members states and the European Community also have the possibility of becoming Party to the Convention.The Convention is based on recognition of the principle, already stated in Recommendation No R(2000)11 of the Committee of Ministers on action against trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation, that trafficking in human beings constitutes a violation of human rights and an offence to the dignity and integrity of the human being.The Council of Europe Convention is a comprehensive treaty which aims to (3 Ps):· Prevent trafficking· Protect the Human Rights of victims of trafficking· Prosecute the traffickers.The Convention applies to:· all forms of trafficking: whether national or transnational, whether or not related to organised crime· whoever the victim: women, men or children· whatever the form of exploitation: sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, etc.The entry into force of the Convention on 1 February 2008 triggered the setting-up of its monitoring mechanism which is now fully operational (the CoE Trafficking homepage is here: http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/trafficking/default_en.asp). The monitoring mechanism consists of two pillars: the first is GRETA, a group of independent experts on action against trafficking in human beings. GRETA will monitor implementation of the Convention. To this end, GRETA will regularly draw up reports evaluating the measures taken by the Parties. GRETA held its fourth and latest meeting in December 2009 (see: http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/trafficking/Docs/Monitoring/GRETA_en.asp#TopOfPage). The second pillar is the Committee of the Parties, which is composed of the representatives in the Committee of Ministers of the Parties to the Convention and of representatives of Parties non-members of the Council of Europe (see: http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/trafficking/Docs/Monitoring/COP_en.asp#TopOfPage) .The Convention has been ratified by Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Georgia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and the United KingdomIt has also been signed but not yet ratified by another 15 Council of Europe member states: Andorra, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.The Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE (PACE) has adopted several resolutions and recommendations in the field of THB, for instance Recommendation 1695 (2005) on "Draft Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings" (full text: http://assembly.coe.int//Main.asp?link=http://assembly.coe.int/Mainf.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta05/EREC1695.htm).In Resolution 1702 adopted 26 January 2010, the Assembly called on Council of Europe member states which had not yet done so to sign and/or ratify the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings, and encouraged the European Union to accede to it (text: http://assembly.coe.int//Main.asp?link=http://assembly.coe.int/Mainf.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta10/eRES1702.htm). It also spoke out in favour of intensified co-operation with other international organisations, taking special care to avoid all risk of duplication between the different monitoring mechanisms. The parliamentarians also asked that the GRETA should be able to command the financial and human resources needed for its activity. Finally, PACE proposed to organize a conference in 2010 on action against trafficking, involving all partnersPACE has appointed a Rapporteur on "Action against trafficking: parliamentarians' involvement in promoting the widest possible ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings".Moreover, PACE has published a 111-page Handbook for Parliamentarians (updated 2009) which sets out ways parliamentarians can press for the ratification and the application of the new Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings by introducing legislation, allocating funding and lobbying their governments (see: http://assembly.coe.int/committeedocs/2007/Trafficking-human-beings_E.pdf). The handbook is intended as a practical tool for parliamentarians. It is designed to suggest working approaches for elected representatives who want to combat this scourge and promote the convention.3. OSCE and OSCE PAThe OSCE plays an active role in the fight against Trafficking in Human beings (THB). All participating States have agreed on numerous political commitments that confirm their primary responsibility for addressing THB.Maastricht Ministerial Council Decision No. 2, Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2003) (see: http://www.osce.org/documents/mcs/2003/12/4161_en.pdf), endorsed the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings (2003) - the key document which provides a framework for the anti-trafficking efforts of the entire organization. This Action Plan contains far-reaching recommendations for the participating States on the best ways and means to implement the various anti-trafficking commitments (see: http://www.osce.org/documents/pc/2003/07/724_en.pdf). A special addendum to the Action Plan concerning the special needs of child victims was made in 2005 (see: http://www.osce.org/documents/pc/2005/07/15591_en.pdf).OSCE has a number of institutions active in the fight against trafficking:• Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings;• Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR);• Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities;• Secretariat - Action against Terrorism Unit;• Secretariat - Conflict Prevention Centre;• Secretariat - Strategic Police Matters Unit.The Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (SR) assists participating States in their anti-trafficking effort by providing support at four levels: policy-making, field work, technical expertise and co-ordination of international actors. The Office has produces numerous reports, handbooks, analyses and other documents, all available through its homepage (http://www.osce.org/cthb/). A fundamental exhortation of the SR is that all OSCE States should establish National Co-Ordination Mechanisms, National Action Plans and a National Rapporteur on THB (see the SR ́s latest report: http://www.osce.org/cthb/item_11_41953.html).The first SR initiated a close partnership with relevant international actors under the heading of the Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons, which meets twice a year. The Office of the SR is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Alliance, as well as the Alliance Expert Co-ordination Team (AECT), which is a consultative forum involving leading agencies and experts in the field of combating human trafficking. It aims to develop strategic networking and partnerships among active players, facilitating exchanges of experience, best practices and lessons learned, as well as joint actions across the OSCE region (see: http://www.osce.org/cthb/13413.html).The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly repeatedly addresses the issue of THB, e g in the resolution from its latest Annual Session in Vilnius 2009 (see: http://www.oscepa.org/images/stories/documents/activities/1.Annual%20Session/2009_Vilnius/Final_Vilnius_Declaration_ENG.pdf e g paras 82, 83, 89).4. European Union and European ParliamentSince 1997 the European Commission has been actively engaged in EU activities developing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach towards the prevention and the fight against trafficking in human beings. The main responsibility for dealing with THB issues lies with the Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security of the European Commission.The Council Framework Decision of 19 July 2002 on combating trafficking in human beings (2002/629/JHA - OJ 2002/L 203/1, 1.8.2002) provides for measures aimed at ensuring approximation of national penal legislation concerning the definition of offences, penalties, jurisdiction and prosecution, protection and assistance to victims (text: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2002:203:0001:0004:EN:PDF).An Expert Group on Trafficking in Human Beings was set up in 2003. The group regularly submits reports and opinions. The Group adopts a human rights-centered approach to the prevention and fight against trafficking in human beings and elaborates indications for the development of effective action in all the areas of anti-trafficking policy (decision, see: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:277:0029:0032:EN:PDF).The Council Directive 2004/81/EC of 29 April 2004 on the residence permit issued to third-country nationals who are victims of trafficking in human beings or who have been the subject of an action to facilitate illegal immigration, who cooperate with the competent authorities (OJ 2004/L 261, 6.8.2004) establishes an obligation for Member States to provide for reflection period and residence status, with related assistance and support measures, to victims of trafficking in human beings (text: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2004:261:0019:0023:EN:PDF).The Council EU plan on best practices, standards and procedures for combating and preventing trafficking in human beings (“EU Action Plan”) from 2005 (OJ 2005/C 311/1, 9.12.2005, COM(2006)437) provides for actions to be implemented by Member States, the Commission and other EU bodies concerning coordination of EU action, scoping the problem, prevention, reducing the demand, investigating and prosecuting, protecting and supporting victims of trafficking, returns and reintegration (text: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2005:311:0001:0012:EN:PDF). See also an evaluation of the implementation of the Action Plan (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0657:FIN:EN:PDF).In 2007, an expert sub-group on trafficking in human beings decided to develop harmonized definitions and associated indicators that will facilitate greater compatibility of data across EU member states on the crime area under consideration. A joint European Commission-ILO project was established to reach consensus on operational indicators of trafficking. A first list was published in March 2009 (for the list, see: http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---declaration/documents/publication/wcms_105023.pdf).In 2007, the EU Anti-Trafficking Day was established on 18 October every year, following a recommendation of the European Parliament (for 2009, see: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1544&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en).Financial programmes are an important tool to develop or strengthen policies in the fight against human trafficking. The new financial programme covering trafficking in human beings is 'Prevention of and Fight against Crime', which runs over the period 2007-2013, and covers different areas including trafficking in human beings, which has been a priority for 2007 and 2008.The European Parliament is a driver in issues concerning the fight against THB. The latest Resolution from EP on preventing trafficking in human beings was adopted 10 February 2010 (see:http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2010-0018&format=XML&language=EN).5. Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)Civil Security is one of the five long-term priorities of the CBSS. It includes a very developed and practical expert cooperation in the field of fighting against trafficking in human beings, and a specialized network focusing on safety and well-being of children at risk, in particular. Unlike pure law enforcement structures, these two structures focus more on the social dimension of the problems, that is, more on the victims than the criminals (see: http://www.cbss.org/Civil-Security-and-the-Human-Dimension/creating-a-safe-and-secure-region).The overall objective of the CBSS Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB) is to counteract trafficking in human beings in the Baltic Sea Region through preventive and protective activities (see: http://www.cbss.org/Civil-Security-and-the-Human-Dimension/the-task-force-against-trafficking-in-human-beings-with-focus-on-adults). The mandate of the TF-THB is to fight against trafficking in human beings and all of its forms of exploitation. Its actions aim at strengthening assistance to victims, promoting cooperation, abolishing gaps in existing approaches and improving legislation. The Task Force is composed of experts from relevant Government ministries in all the CBSS capitals. The Chair of the TF-THB rotates among the Member States on an annual basis following the CBSS Presidency (from July 1 to June 30). The current mandate of the Task Force runs until 30th June 2011 (for objectives etc, see the link above). The Task Force focuses on people over the age of 18 and is thereby complementing the work of the Expert Group for Cooperation on Children at Risk (EGCC).The TF-THB is the only regional intergovernmental forum in Europe of its kind dealing with trafficking in human beings. The TF-THB brings together EU and non-EU Member States, which are all differently affected by trafficking in human beings and constantly exchange experiences with international and nongovernmental organizations.For 2008-2010 the TF-THB has agreed on the following Strategy for the CBSS Region:• Trainings on Human Trafficking for Diplomatic and Consular Personnel in the CBSS Region in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)• Joint Project with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Fostering NGOLaw Enforcement Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in, from and to the Baltic Sea Region• Regional Information Campaign against Trafficking in Human Beings• Improved Data Collection and Support to Research on Human Trafficking in the Region• Comparative Regional Legal Analysis on Human TraffickingA Joint Project is operated between the Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Fostering NGO-Law Enforcement Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in, from and to the Baltic Sea Region. The project aims at strengthening cooperation between different governmental institutions and nongovernmental actors within and between the CBSS Member States. Only with improved cooperation victims can be adequately assisted and protected. By collecting and analysing data through country assessment missions, the project will develop assessment reports for each Member State of the CBSS on the existing cooperation mechanisms between state actors, in particular law enforcement, and NGOs. A Joint CBSS TF-THB/UNODC Conference was held 7-8 December 2009, Stockholm. The Conference presented the findings of the regional assessment of the joint project with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on fostering NGO and Law Enforcement Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in, from and to the Baltic Sea Region.The CBSS Expert Group for Cooperation on Children at Risk (EGCC) is a group of senior officials from the ministries responsible for children’s issues in the member countries to the CBSS and the European Commission (homepage: http://www.childcentre.info/). The EGCC identifies, supports and implements cooperation on children at risk between countries and organizations in the region. It also examines and reviews areas of concern with regard to children, as identified by its network of National Coordinators and experts. Based on these findings the EGCC adopts programmes and implements actions within areas of concern. Activities and programmes are carried out together with national authorities, agencies and organizations in cooperation with regional and international organizations.The Prioritized areas for the period until July 2011 for the EGCC are:• The protection of children from all forms of sexual exploitation• Unaccompanied and trafficked children• Children abused by being offered money or other forms of remuneration in exchange for sex• Children and online sexual exploitation• The protection of children from all forms of sexual abuse and sexual violence• The rights of children in institutions and in other forms of out of home care6. Nordic Council and Nordic Council of MinistersThe Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers work with Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to fight against trafficking and help the victims out of their difficult situation. This trade must be fought through international co-operation. Trafficking in women is no longer the only form of human trafficking in the region. Experience from other parts of Europe indicates that trade in human beings who are being exploited in agriculture, construction and housework, such as, for example, au pair jobs, is becoming more widespread. People are also being exploited for the sale of organs and forced labour, and children are traded for begging and sexual exploitation.To be able to stop this development there is a need for shared knowledge and understanding of the new forms of organized criminal exploitation of labour. This requires regional and international co-operation between the authorities and NGOs. The Nordic gender equality, social, health and justice ministers have taken a large number of initiatives to co-operate in the Nordic countries to stop human trafficking.Nordic Council has repeatedly addressed the issue of trafficking. Within the Nordic Council, it is the Citizens' and Consumer Rights Committee that deals with issues concerning the rights of citizens and consumers, as well as associated overall matters concerning democracy, human rights, gender equality, trafficking etc. Nordic Council has submitted a number of recommendations to the Nordic governments concerning trafficking:- Fight against trafficking in human being (Rec. 25/2005);- Report on the fight against trafficking in human beings (Rec. 26/2005);- Campaign against selling sex (Rec. 18/2006);- Safe house for victims of trafficking in human beings (Rec. 19/2006);- Prevention of trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation (Rec. 20/2006);- Prevention of trafficking in human beings (Rec. 15/2007);- Member ́s proposal on asylum children (Rec. 21/2008);- Member ́s proposal on human trafficking for forced abor (Rec. 22/2008).Together with the Baltic Assembly and the Benelux Interparliamentary Consultative Council, the Nordic Council organized a trilateral conference on “Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings” in Latvia, Riga on 24–25 April 2008 (see: http://www.baltasam.org/?DocID=724).The Nordic Council of Ministers has started up several concrete projects. Emphasis is placed particularly on the social aspects of human trafficking and gender equality. In 2001 the Council of Ministers took the initiative for a Nordic-Baltic Campaign Against Trafficking in Women to create public debate in the Nordic and Baltic countries (final report: http://www.norden.org/en/publications/publications/2004-715). In 2005, the Nordic-Baltic Taskforce Against Trafficking launched a 3-year pilot project, which aimed at developing victim-centred and durable models for support and reintegration of women victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation in and between the Nordic and Baltic countries (website: http://nordicbaltic-assistwomen.net/). An international conference was organized in St. Petersburg in April 2008 with focus on preventative work in Northwest Russia, the Baltic countries and the Nordic countries (see: http://www.norden.ru/News.aspx?id=159&lang=en).The Nordic and Baltic ministers for gender equality decided in May 2008 to draw up a joint Nordic Baltic Strategy to Fight Trafficking with the focus on sexual exploitation. The Nordic Gender Institute (NIKK) (website: http://www.nikk.uio.no/English/) concluded a research project entitled “Prostitution in the Nordic countries” with a conference in October 2008. It focused on prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation, including men and women's attitudes to paying for sexual favours.7. Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)The Inter-Parliamentary Union, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Austrian Parliament, organized a one-day Parliamentary Forum on 12 February 2008 as a prelude to the main event, the Vienna Forum.The Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking - a global event - took place from 13 to 15 February 2008 under the framework of the United Nations-sponsored Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (conference report: http://www.ipu.org/splz-e/vienna08/report.pdf).In April 2009, IPU, in cooperation with UNODC and in the framework of UN.GIFT, published “Combating Trafficking in Persons. A Handbook for Parliamentarians” (see: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/ipu-and-united-nations-join-forces-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons.html).On 22-23 February 2010, IPU arranged a Regional Seminar on Human Trafficking in London. The overall objective of the seminar was to highlight how parliamentarians should become more involved in ensuring the implementation of existing legislation (see: http://www.ipu.org/splz-e/london10.htm).8. NATOThe Alliance initiated a zero-tolerance policy on human trafficking, which was endorsed at the Istanbul Summit in June 2004. The policy commits NATO member countries and other troop-contributing nations participating in NATO-led operations to reinforce efforts to prevent and combat such activity ,and calls for military and civilian personnel and contractors taking part in NATO-led operations to receive appropriate training on standards of their behavior during the operations. NATO regularly reviews the policy on combating trafficking in human beings to make sure that it’s effectively implemented by the Allies, Partners and NATO as an organization. In 2007, NATO completed a comprehensive review, which led to a range of policy and practical.All efforts of the Alliance in this field are coordinated by the Senior Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (also NATO ASG for Defence Policy and Planning), a position created as a follow up to 2007 review of the implementation (see: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-81B6B56F-E01F3B06/natolive/news_1725.htm?selectedLocale=en).9. Save the ChildrenThe fight against Trafficking in Human Beings, especially children, is an integral part of the work of Save the Children, although they do not seem to have a dedicated programme or policy on this issue. In 2007, they released a research report on children ́s insights on the risks of human trafficking in Europe (http://www.savethechildren.net/alliance/media/newsdesk/2007-09-18.html).10. The Red CrossThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) do not seem to have any dedicated programmes or projects on the fight against THB, although it is an endeavour that is frequently mentioned in their publications and reports and streamlined into their activities. THB was addressed in an issue of IFRC ́s paper The Bridge in 2005 (http://www.ifrc.org/docs/pubs/insight/bridge-spring05.pdf#xml=http://search.ifrc.org/cgi/texis.exe/webinator/search/pdfhi.txt?query=trafficking&pr=english&prox=page&rorder=500&rprox=500&rdfreq=500&rwfreq=500&rlead=500&sufs=0&order=r&cq=&id=43d509597). IFRC is also active on THB issues i Eastern Europe (see e g: http://www.ifrc.org/docs/news/09/09031201/). A concept paper (undated) on a Europe-wide programme against THB has been published, but it is unclear whether it has actually been set in motion (http://www.ifrc.org/docs/pubs/events/berlin02/trafficking_conceptpaper.pdf).11. The International Organization for Migration (IOM)Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.With 127 member states, a further 17 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants (see: http://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsphttp://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsp).IOM takes a comprehensive approach to trafficking in persons within the wider context of managing migration. IOM's wide range of activities are implemented in partnership with governmental institutions, NGOs and international organizations. IOM has been working to counter the trafficking in persons since 1994. In this time, the Organization has implemented almost 500 projects in 85 countries, and has provided assistance to approximately 15,000 trafficked persons. IOM's primary aims are to prevent trafficking in persons, and to protect victims of the trade while offering them options of safe and sustainable reintegration and/or return to their home countries. IOM has produced a number of handbooks and manuals on various issues of trafficking (see: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/activities/by-theme/regulating-migration/counter-trafficking).12. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) CentreThe Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the exploitation of children. That means building intelligence around the risks, tracking and bringing offenders to account either directly or with local and international police forces and working with children and parents to deliver the ThinkuKnow internet safety programme (see: http://www.ceop.gov.uk/).