Slowdown in human trafficking criminal justice response

There has been a worldwide slowdown in the criminal justice response to human trafficking, according to latest research, with a decrease in both victim detection rates and in the number of convictions, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Businesses have been urged to ensure they are doing all they can to prevent human rights violations both within their organisations and in their supply chains, and identify and manage modern slavery risks. The Global Report on Trafficking on Persons, which is released biennially by UNODC, showed that detection rates fell by 11% in 2020 with a 27% drop in the number of convictions. The EU Report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings, published by the European Commission in December 2022, also indicated a decrease in detected victims in 2020 within the European Union. On the latest 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), UNODC called on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to enhance their efforts to prevent human trafficking, identify and support victims, and prosecute the traffickers. “Our message this year is clear – ‘reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind’,” said John Brandolino, UNODC director of the division for treaty affairs. “The European Union is a key partner for UNODC and together we strive to strengthen global anti-trafficking responses.” Diane Schmitt, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, added: “With a comprehensive approach including prevention, awareness raising, reduction of demand, early detection of victims and their protection, with UNODC and other partners, all together we can make a positive difference on the ground for victims.” The EU, as the only regional organisation that is party to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Human Trafficking Protocol, also plays an important role in policy design within the United Nations. “Too many victims remain undetected, which is why improving early identification and referral for assistance and support for trafficking victims is crucial,” explained Diane Schmitt. “This will contribute to enhancing the protection of victims.” The European Union is currently revising the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive to make it mandatory for Member States to establish national referral mechanisms for the early identification and referral of victims to specialised assistance and support. The UK’s Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for action to improve and enforce laws around human trafficking, and is urging businesses to ensure they are doing all they can to prevent human rights violations both within their organisations and in their supply chains. The latest global estimates suggest around 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021. Of these, 28 million were in forced labour. IOSH said global, national and sectorial strategies and action are needed to tackle and eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour, while also ensuring the provision of a safe and healthy working environment. Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy at IOSH, said: “Legislative developments, such as the Australian Modern Slavery Act in 2018 and the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act in 2015 in the UK, have been steps in the right direction, but we are now seeing signs of stagnation and millions of people still being impacted by the worst forms of labour exploitation. We must remember also that these workers will be exposed to poor working conditions and practices, and health and safety dangers.” She added: “Renewed efforts, action and transparency need to continue over the long term if sustainable results are to be achieved in order to avoid these frameworks being considered a mere ‘tick-box’ requirement to modern slavery.” IOSH contributed to the publication in 2022 of the standard BS 25700 (Organisational responses to modern slavery – Guidance), which will now be part of an upcoming ISO 37200 – Guidance for the prevention, identification and response to human trafficking, forced labour, and modern slavery. IOSH has previously called for business practices to identify and manage modern slavery risks in line with other aspects of their other environmental, social and corporate governance polices. UNODC said: “To end human trafficking, we cannot allow this crime to be met with increasing indifference and impunity. We must strengthen resilience against exploitation and the underlying socio-economic and cultural issues that are conducive to trafficking. We must sensitise everyone to the topic of human trafficking and thus push attention towards those who can make a difference in terms of changing policy and national resource management to strengthen prevention measures, improve identification of victims, increase support of survivors and end impunity.”

Slowdown in human trafficking criminal justice response

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