UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO RESIDENCE ON PERSONAL GROUNDS IS NEEDED TO UPHOLD TRAFFICKED PERSONS’ RIGHTS
- Document number
- 3445
- Date
- 25 March 2022
- Title
- UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCESS TO RESIDENCE ON PERSONAL GROUNDS IS NEEDED TO UPHOLD TRAFFICKED PERSONS’ RIGHTS
- Author/publisher
- La Strada International
- Availability
- View/save PDF version of this document
- Document type(s)
- Meeting Documentation/Conference Reports,
- Keywords
- side event OSCE Alliance against trafficking in human beings residence unconditional support
- Summary
On 5th of April, La Strada Internatoinal together with the Council of Europe/GRETA secretariat, PICUM and LEFO IBF organises a side event alongside the OSCE Alliance Conference. This side event focusses on unconditional support and the need for access to residence on personal grounds.
Following identification, victims of trafficking are often in a situation of high vulnerability, and may risk being removed immediately if their status is irregular. However, access to
support and residence for victims of human trafficking is currently very closely tied with the criminal legal system. Access depends first on identification, and then on cooperation with, and the needs of, law enforcement. This leaves many people without the protection, support and assistance they need and are entitled to. It leads to repeat victimisation.
The Council of Europe Convention on Acton against Trafficking in Human Beings requires that assistance to victims is not made conditional on their willingness to act as witnesses or co-operate with competent authorities in the investigations and criminal proceedings. It foresees unconditional assistance and renewable residence permits on account of the personal situation of victims of trafficking.
This event will provide an analysis of the state of play and spotlight country examples that highlight both the need and policy options for a human rights-centred approach to trafficking in human beings.