COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS – A EUROPEAN CONVENTION?

The sheer scope of the problem of trafficking almost defies description. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people - perhaps even more - are tricked, sold, forced or otherwise coerced into situations of exploitation from which they cannot escape. These individuals are the commodities of a transnational industry which generates billions of dollars and, almost without exception, operates with virtual impunity. Despite recent encouraging developments at the national, regional and international levels, little has changed for those caught up in this sordid trade. Attempts to deal with trafficking have, thus far, been largely ineffective. This is not a very positive evaluation but it is, I believe, an honest one.