The EU will soon introduce tougher laws against people found guilty of involvement in human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly of children.
In the wake of talks between the European Parliament and member states, the Commission yesterday announced a compromise deal clearing the way for the new rules to be implemented across the EU.
European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom hailed the agreement, saying it would strengthen judicial and law enforcement cooperation across the EU.
The new rules will give victims more support and provide for tougher action against criminals responsible for child sexual abuse and trafficking.
On human trafficking, the new rules will approximate national legislations and penalties in all EU member states, making sure offenders are brought to justice even if they commit crimes abroad. Member states have different laws which treat the same offences differently.
The new rules will allow the police to use phone tapping and eavesdropping techniques and victims will get the right to receive accommodation and medical care as well as police protection to help them recover and be in a position to testify against the perpetrators. Victims will also gain the right to receive free legal aid throughout the proceedings including for the purpose of claiming financial compensation.
With regard to sexual exploitation, the new rules will make it easier to punish those who abuse children by providing criminal sanctions for new forms of abuse like grooming – luring children through internet for predatory purposes – viewing child pornography without downloading files or making children pose sexually in front of webcams.
“Sex tourists”, travelling abroad to abuse children, will also face prosecution when they return home.
According to the International Labour Organisation, 1,225,000 people around the world are victims of human trafficking, most of them being forced into prostitution (43 per cent) or forced labour (32 per cent). When it comes to sexual abuse, the vast majority of victims (98 per cent) are women and young girls. About half a million people fall victim to human trafficking every year in the EU, either within the EU itself or when shipped into the EU.