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The participants were welcomed by Ms. Myria Vassiladou, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, who introduced the content of the meeting and the guest speakers. The introduction was followed by Ms. Valeria Galanti who gave an update on the legal framework and implementation of EU Policy towards building coordination and coherence with EU Agencies.
Ms. Joëlle Milquet, the Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission for compensation for victims of crime, including victims of trafficking in human beings, lead a session on the topic of compensation: which included access to compensation, cross-border access to compensation and encouraging the use of criminal proceeds to compensate victims of THB access to compensation.
Ms. Mara Marinaki, Principal Adviser on Gender and on the Implementation of UNSCR 1325/WPS, European External Action Services and Fabienne van den Eede, Deputy Head of Unit DG DEVCO, joined the panel as well.
Civil Societies from countries in Europe were brought together and invited to have a voice in relation to this issue at three parallel workshops during the second day. The MWL and RENATE representative attended workshop 3.
Workshop 1, Priority A: Stepping up the fight against organised criminal networks by whatever means including disrupting the business model and untangling the trafficking chain.
– Conceptualising the EU-wide awareness-raising campaign on trafficking in human beings, targeting users, consumers, and vulnerable groups and high-risk sectors.
Workshop 2, Priority B: Provide better access to and realise the rights for victims of trafficking.
– Focus on access to compensation and referral mechanisms at national and transnational level to realize the rights of victims.
Workshop 3, Priority C: Intensify a coordinated and consolidated response, both within and outside the EU.
– Focus on enhanced joint efforts to address the root causes of vulnerabilities and the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative – eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
Around 100 representatives from civil societies from all over Europe attended this event, meantime new members were welcomed this year. An organized dinner took place with the participants, where it was good to socialize and be more familiar with their work and contributions in their own countries. The EU Civil Society Platform against THB also provided a good opportunity for networking as well.
Prepared by: Irena Kraja