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It is with great pleasure that
I am addressing today such an important conference, which focuses on human
trafficking and labor exploitation.
First of all, allow me to
warmly welcome all participants in Cyprus and express our gratitude to the
European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) for entrusting the
organization of the conference to the Cyprus Police. Such trainings
strengthen even further the cooperation of the EU member states in the fight
against trafficking in human beings, one of the most serious forms of
transnational crime.
The participation of trainers
from countries such as Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands and
international/European organizations, such as Europol, Empact, CEPOL, IOM,
ELA, demonstrates the importance of the topic, but also the very good level
of cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of EU and other countries
in preventing and combating human trafficking.
Children, women, migrants and
refugees are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. Nowadays
trafficking takes a variety of forms. It is constantly evolving. Its
transnational nature increases its complexity and makes it difficult to
detect and investigate. Thus, it requires close and continuous cooperation
between the law enforcement authorities of the EU member states and third
countries.
Cyprus, mainly due to its
geographical position, but also due to the instrumentalization of migration
by Turkey through the green line, is a destination country for victims of
trafficking.
It is clear that the problem of
human trafficking is linked to immigration. Refugees and asylum seekers are
an easy target for traffickers. The perpetrators approach migrants, mainly
refugees in various ways, offering them help for transportation,
accommodation and work, with the aim to exploit them.
The war in Ukraine creates
fertile ground for sexual or labor exploitation of Ukrainian refugees fleeing
their country. For this reason, the exchange of information, experiences and
best practices between EU member states and other countries is of utmost
importance for the early identification of the perpetrators and the victims.
Countering human trafficking is
one of the priorities of the EU. Recognizing the transnational and evolving
nature of this crime and the terrible consequences on the lives of victims,
the EU has established and developed several cooperation mechanisms for the
competent authorities of its member states.
The Cyprus Police cooperates
closely and exchanges information with the law enforcement agencies of other
member states of the EU and third countries, through Europol, CEPOL and
Interpol. It also actively participates in joint operations and programs of
EMPACT, through the Police Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.
At the same time, seeking to
further strengthen this cooperation, Cyprus has concluded bilateral
agreements with several countries for cooperation in preventing and combating
organized crime, including trafficking in human beings, giving emphasis to
the conclusion of such agreements with countries of origin of the victims.
Over the past years, Cyprus has
stepped up its efforts to fight human trafficking. In 2019, penalties for THB
provided by our national legislation were significantly increased and a new
provision concerning the criminalization of the use of sexual services of
victims of trafficking was added.
More specifically, the penalty
for the basic offences increased from a maximum of 10 years’ to 25 years’
imprisonment and to life imprisonment for human trafficking for organ
removal. A new article was added, which criminalizes the use of sexual
services provided by victims of trafficking.
As a result, the number of
convictions in human trafficking cases has increased significantly.
Dear organizers and
participants,
Due to the multifaceted nature
of human trafficking, no country is capable of combating this transnational
crime on its own. This global threat requires a coordinated response at all
levels.
I am sure that the exchange of
views, experiences and best practices between the experts participating in
this conference will enrich even further our knowledge. Also will contribute
to the achievement of our common aim to combat human trafficking in all its
forms.
I am convinced that if we
strengthen our cooperation, we will be better prepared to respond to the
needs of the victims, bring the perpetrators to justice, and protect society
as a whole from trafficking in human beings.
I wish you all an inspiring and
successful conference.
(MG/SCH)
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