INTERVIEW
the eradication of trafficking in human beings . Women and girls form the large majority of victims of trafficking in human beings and are trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation . Trafficking offences have devastating effects on the victims due to the nature , circumstances , duration and consequences . The recent EU Gender Equality Strategy and Victim Right Strategy take this into account . The European Commission will present soon its third report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings , with the latest analysis on the evolution of the criminal phenomenon , assessment of result of antitrafficking action within the EU and comprehensive data on the victims , perpetrators and the criminal justice response for tailor made policy decisions .
I would like to highlight the ongoing important work carried out by law enforcement in relation to the EU Policy cycle for organized and serious international crime 2018-2021 , also known as the European multidisciplinary platform against criminal threats ( EMPACT ). Operational cooperation brings tangible results under this framework , illustrated in numerous successful joint actions leading to disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups involved in trafficking in human beings .
The EU Anti-Trafficking Day was established by the European Commission in 2007 and is marked on 18 October of every year . What do you perceive as the main purpose of this day ?
The EU Anti-Trafficking Day reminds us that women and girls , men and boys continue to be trafficked and exploited in the European Union for criminal profits . It reminds us of a continued need for action against traffickers , exploiters , profit makers and abusers . I am pleased to see the many initiatives organised throughout the EU . The Commission will join these efforts this year by publishing two studies , which were key actions of the 2017 Communication : the study on the economic , social and human costs of trafficking in human beings and the study on reviewing the functioning of Member States ’ National and Transnational Referral Mechanisms . We will present the findings of the Third progress report of the European Commission at a high level event on 21 October co-organized with the German Presidency , with the participation of Commissioner Ylva Johansson and Members of the European Parliament , in the framework of the joint meeting of the EU network of national rapporteurs and equivalent mechanisms and EU Civil society Platform against Trafficking in human beings .
We know that COVID-19 has exacerbated and brought to the forefront the systemic and deeply entrenched economic and societal inequalities that are among the root causes of human trafficking . What are the EU priorities in ensuring that we continue to protect the most vulnerable and leave no one behind ?
Member States , civil society organizations , international organizations and EU agencies have rung the alarm on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic , including a potential increased demand for labour and sexual exploitation . Concerns pointed to the most vulnerable people in particular women and children being at even higher risk in particular when it comes to exploitation in domestic circumstances . The crime became less visible . Internet and social media is further abused by criminals at the detriment of victims . Trafficking victims need continued assistance and support . While the economic and social circumstances have been changing , to eradicate the crime we must continue focusing on the perpetrators : the traffickers , the exploiters ; the abusers ; the users . In this context , holding perpetrators accountable increases deterrence . To support the work of law enforcement and civil society in this context the upcoming calls for proposal for Union grants under the Internal Security Fund-Police and Asylum , Migration and Integration Fund are also planned to be dedicated to responses to the pandemic .
The EU funds flagship projects such as GLO . ACT . What does it hope to achieve by funding projects such as GLO . ACT ?
The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants - Asia and the Middle East ( GLO . ACT Asia and the Middle East ) is a joint initiative by the EU and the UNODC implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration . This is a flagship project that builds on the project GLO . ACT 2015-2019 and assists governmental authorities and civil society organisations in targeted , innovative and demand-driven interventions . Through the EU-funded project GLO . ACT Asia and the Middle East , the EU cooperates with the UN and partner countries to contribute to developing more effective national and international responses to trafficking in human beings as well as migrant smuggling .
Through the project we aim at ensuring targeted , sustainable and effective policy and legislative frameworks in place , enhanced quality of investigations and prosecutions of trafficking in human beings , improved quality of assistance and protection services for victims and migrants in vulnerable situations and ensuring that illicit financial flows associated
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