RENATE is proud to share the remarkable achievement of our member organization, Caritas Slovakia, whose efforts have culminated in a landmark victory for human rights and justice.
On 24 October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) delivered a unanimous judgment in the case of B.B. v. Slovakia (Application no. 48587/21), declaring that the Slovak Republic violated Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery and forced labor.
The case originated from the failure of Slovak authorities to conduct a sufficient investigation into a credible allegation of human trafficking. Ms. B.B., a highly vulnerable individual, was trafficked to the United Kingdom in 2010, where she was forced to work as a prostitute for over a year. While a perpetrator was convicted of pimping, the authorities limited their investigation to this charge, neglecting to address the larger context of human trafficking.
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of Caritas Slovakia, through its Stop Human Trafficking project, and the legal representation of renowned human rights lawyer Parosha Chandran, the Court found that the Slovak authorities failed in their obligation to thoroughly investigate this plausible accusation of trafficking.
This judgment not only underscores the systemic shortcomings in addressing human trafficking but also emphasizes the need for robust legal and social support for survivors. It is a victory for Ms. B.B. and a testament to the life-changing impact of providing victims with access to justice.
RENATE congratulates Caritas Slovakia and all involved in achieving this milestone. This case reaffirms the importance of our collective mission to combat human trafficking and advocate for the rights of survivors.