As we observe the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on the 30th of July, it is imperative to shed light on this heinous crime that continues to plague societies worldwide. Human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery, involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud or deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.
In Cyprus, as in many other countries, human trafficking is a complex and multifaceted issue. While the law has made significant strides in addressing this crime, the insidious nature of trafficking networks and the vulnerability of certain populations continue to pose challenges.
The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons and Protection of Victims Law 60(I) of 2014 provides a comprehensive legal framework for combating human trafficking in Cyprus. This legislation aligns with international standards and provides a robust foundation for the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.
Understanding the various forms of human trafficking is crucial for effective legal intervention. In Cyprus, the most prevalent forms include:
- Sexual exploitation: This form of trafficking involves the forced prostitution of individuals, often targeting vulnerable women and children.
- Labor exploitation: Victims are coerced into working in harsh conditions with little to no compensation, violating fundamental labor rights.
- Domestic servitude: Individuals, frequently migrants, are forced to work as domestic servants in private homes under abusive conditions.
- Organ trafficking: This involves the illegal removal of human organs for transplantation without the donor’s free and informed consent.
The law recognizes that certain populations are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. These include migrants and refugees seeking better opportunities, children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women who are disproportionately affected, especially in cases of sexual exploitation. The legal framework in Cyprus takes into account these vulnerabilities and provides specific protections for these groups.
The consequences of human trafficking extend far beyond the immediate victims. While individuals suffer severe physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, the crime also undermines the rule of law and fuels organized crime networks. Recognizing these far-reaching impacts, the Cypriot legal system adopts a holistic approach to addressing the issue.
Key aspects of Cyprus’ legal framework for combating human trafficking include:
- Victim identification and protection: The law establishes mechanisms for identifying potential victims and provides comprehensive support services, including safe accommodation, medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance.
- Criminal prosecution: The legislation outlines severe penalties for traffickers, including substantial fines and imprisonment. It also provides for the confiscation of assets derived from trafficking activities.
- Prevention measures: The law mandates awareness-raising campaigns and educational programs to prevent trafficking and address its root causes.
- International cooperation: Recognizing the transnational nature of many trafficking operations, the legal framework facilitates collaboration with other countries in dismantling trafficking networks.
- Training for law enforcement: The law requires specialized training for police officers, prosecutors, and judges to effectively handle trafficking cases.
- Data collection and research: To inform policy and improve anti-trafficking efforts, the legislation mandates the collection and analysis of trafficking-related data.
Despite these robust legal provisions, challenges remain in the implementation and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. These include difficulties in victim identification, particularly in cases of labor exploitation, and the complex nature of prosecuting trafficking cases, which often involve cross-border elements.
As legal professionals, we play a crucial role in supporting the effective implementation of anti-trafficking laws. This includes:
- Providing legal representation to trafficking victims, ensuring their rights are protected throughout legal proceedings.
- Assisting in the prosecution of traffickers, working closely with law enforcement to build strong cases.
- Advocating for continued improvement of the legal framework to address emerging challenges in combating trafficking.
- Participating in awareness-raising efforts to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking and legal protections available to victims.
- Collaborating with international partners to strengthen cross-border cooperation in trafficking cases.
The fight against human trafficking requires a multifaceted approach, and the legal system plays a pivotal role. Cyprus’ comprehensive legal framework provides a strong foundation for combating this crime, but ongoing vigilance and adaptation are necessary to address evolving trafficking tactics.
As we commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we reaffirm our commitment to leveraging the full power of the law to eradicate human trafficking. By working together – legal professionals, law enforcement, policymakers, and civil society – we can create a Cyprus where everyone is free from exploitation and can live with dignity under the full protection of the law.
Footnotes:
Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons and Protection of Victims Law 60(I) of 2014.
Cyprus Mail, “Cyprus a Destination Country for Trafficking” (Cyprus Mail, January 3, 2024),
https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/01/03/cyprus-a-destination-country-for-trafficking/.
Philenews, “Cyprus is a Human Trafficking Destination, Says EU Official” (In Cyprus, July 14, 2024), https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-is-a-human-trafficking-destination-says-eu-official/.
European Commission, ‘Cyprus’ (Home Affairs, 6 April 2022) https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/internal-security/organised-crime-and-human-trafficking/together-against-trafficking-human-beings/eu-countries/cyprus_en accessed 31 July 2024.
