The fight against trafficking of women goes on...

'Strategies of prevention and the fight against trafficking in women for sexual exploitation' was the title of a workshop held in Budapest on December 16 for the 10 new European Union member states.

The workshop was an EU project organised by the ENATW (European Network Against Trafficking in Women for Sexual Exploitation) in collaboration with MONA (the Foundation for the Women of Hungary) and Associazione IRENE, an Italian organisation that is part of the network, carries out research and is actively involved in work to assist trafficked women.

Participants from Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria, Poland and Malta made presentations on developments in legislation, enforcement and the current strategies of their respective countries. Malta was represented by Grace Attard and Renée Laiviera.

Zita Gurmai, Hungarian MEP and vice-president of the Women's Rights EU Parliamentary Committee, spoke on the measures being proposed for 2007 to combat trafficking. More women, including those of a very young age, are being lured to the myth that the western world offers opportunities of a better life out of poverty.

In-depth research carried out in Poland, Hungary and Lithuania, in particular, revealed shocking facts of this phenomenon of 'sex slavery' linked to transnational organised crime, with 60 per cent of clients being married and 80 per cent coming from unhappy marriages, with another 25 per cent being under the influence of alcohol.

Improving legislation to include the criminalisation of buying sexual favours and heavy punishments for traffickers and clients have also been introduced

Associazione IRENE made a presentation of the ENATW project with guidelines on 'The European Union Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.' A number of recommendations were made, including the need for common cross border policies and law enforcement.

The 'Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men 2006-2010', which came into force this month, also addresses this issue.

NCW will keep an update of relevant information through its Website ncwmalta@camline.net.mt.