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Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purposes from Eastern Europe to Western Europe, An Exploratory Research in Eight Western European Countries

Document number
1228
Date
2001
Title
Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purposes from Eastern Europe to Western Europe, An Exploratory Research in Eight Western European Countries
Author/publisher
Annemieke Wolthuis, Mirjam Blaak (eds.), ECPAT, Europe Law Enforcement Group
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
Child Trafficking, Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, Labour exploitation, Best Interests Principle, Child Victims of Trafficking, Separated Migrant Children, Unaccompanied minors, Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Child protection systems,
Summary
This study is not the first one1 and most likely will not be the last on trafficking in children for sexual purposes. But for a couple of reasons this study is a special one. First it is a study which includes various European States and provides an assessment of the impact of recent developments in Eastern Europe on the phenomenon of trafficking in children for sexual exploitation. This attempt to present the phenomenon at the European level is a necessary and most welcome contribution to the development of a European policy. Secondly the study is comprehensive on covering the various aspects of the prevention and combating of trafficking in children for sexual purposes. This comprehensive approach is reflected in the concrete and specific conclusions dealing with such different issues as the need for enhancing international standards by ratifying protocols to international conventions, strengthening of the enforcement of the law (harmonisation, cooperation), prevention campaigns, training for professionals and also the need for special protection and for special attention for the (possibilities of) repatriation. Trafficking in children for sexual - or other - purposes is by its nature a problem that cannot be dealt with only at the national level. This study provides the EU with enough tools for the development and the effective implementation of a policy aimed at the prevention and elimination of trafficking in children. Furthermore, all EU-member-states and in fact all European States are Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). That Convention clearly calls for a fight against trafficking (articles 34 35 CRC) not only at the national level, but also through all appropriate bilateral and multilateral measures within the framework of international cooperation (article 4 CRC jo 34 and 35 CRC). Further research may be necessary but is an excuse for suspension of action. Now the EU can and should give a follow-up to the conclusions and recommendations of this study by taking very concrete measures on the basis of a comprehensive policy and strategy aimed at elimination of trafficking in children.
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