La Strada Documentation Center

Opinion on combating the trafficking and exploitation of human beings in France

Document number
2372
Date
2010
Title
Opinion on combating the trafficking and exploitation of human beings in France
Author/publisher
The French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH)
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
France, trafficking, Palermo Protocol, exploitation, action plan
Summary
The report proposes a critique of the Palermo protocol, and at the same time it lines out an action plan for France’s combat against trafficking in human beings. The criticism is focused on the linguistic confusion of the terms “trafficking” and “exploitation”, and the report points out that the two terms, though related, do not refer to the same actions. The report calls for European partners to find and agree on a common definition of exploitation to insert more clarity. The report is further divided into three sections, one that deals with repression of trafficking and exploitation, one focusing on victim’s rights and one focusing on how France can combat trafficking and exploitation. The main arguments in the report is that there is a need for clarification and adjustment in the French penal code  in order to better prosecute traffickers and to protect and help trafficked persons, Also a general clarification of the concepts stemming from the Palermo protocol is needed. The report further argues for the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of trafficked persons, both regarding social, medical and juridical assistance. Furthermore the report stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the need to inform the public of risks and consequences in trafficking.
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