The EU legal framework on trafficking in human beings: Where to from here - the UK Perspective

The European Union (EU)’s current provisions on the trafficking in human beings (THB) are providedfor, inter alia, in Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA. The Council of Europe have morerecent provisions in this area, which are not yet widely in force. The EU has some major proposalsfor reform of its legal framework in the Stockholm Programme, to include the appointment of an EUAnti-Trafficking Coordinator. In addition, the focus of EU Justice and Home Affairs is shifting to theexternal relations of the EU under the Stockholm Programme. A critical examination of the EU legalframework in the area of THB from a law enforcement perspective is therefore timely. THB is ahighly contentious and complicated area for regulation, with issues such as the support of thevictims of trafficking, the particular needs of under-aged trafficked individuals, and the issues of dueprocess when a witness may not be considered to be reliable during court proceedings,complicating operations and prosecutions. In addition the issue of illegal immigration adds afurther layer of complication, with the UK maintaining its opt out from the EU’s illegal immigrationprovisions. This article will, focus on the illegal trafficking of adults against their will, and theconsequences of this crime, in particular, for the UK law enforcement authorities. 

Journal/Publisher: Journal of Contemporary European Research, Volume 7, Issue 4

Publication type: Article

Number of pages/Page range: 452-467

Language/s (content): English

Date of publication: 03-01-11

Document view (453 x 208)

Personal data

Full name Maria O'NEILL

Current occupation Author

University/Institution Abertay University

Address Kydd Building, Bell St

Postal code Dundee DD1 1HG

Telephone 0044 1382 308421

Email M.O'Neill@abertay.ac.uk