Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council entitled "Fighting trafficking in human beings: an integrated approach and proposals for an action plan"

The present Communication contributes to the establishment of an action plan to combat trafficking of human beings and illegal immigration, decided by the Hague Programme and adopted by the European Council in November 2004.

In order to effectively address human trafficking, the European Union (EU) favours an integrated approach based on the respect of human rights and taking account of the global nature of the problem. This approach calls for a coordinated policy response, notably in the areas of freedom, security and justice, external relations, development cooperation, employment, gender equality and non-discrimination.

The victims, their needs and their rights must be at the centre of the EU policy against human trafficking. The EU institutions and Member States make a clear commitment to promoting human rights in their external relations and development policies.

On the basis of an in-depth dialogue with civil society, the Council should hold an annual debate on the anti-trafficking policy and assess the compliance of the measures with human rights standards.