National anti-trafficking plan will strengthen protection of victims

The human rights NGO aditus has welcomed the publication of Malta’s action plan on combating human trafficking, as a significant step towards increasing national attention and action to what the United Nations describes as a ‘global threat’.

Malta’s ratification of the so-called Palermo Protocol in 2003 indicates its willingness to deal with human trafficking. The Protocol highlights the criminal nature of trafficking activities and upholding and protecting the fundamental human rights of their victims, who are often in a state of extreme physical or psychological vulnerability.

“The Action Plan’s focus on the prevention of trafficking, prosecution of perpetrators and protection of victims is in accordance with relevant international standards and best practices,” Neil Farrugia, aditus chairperson said.

“Aditus particularly welcomes those activities targeting public awareness and education as a core tool in the identification and empowerment of victims of trafficking.

“The inclusive approach adopted in the Action Plan is also strongly commended insofar as it ensures the active participation of agencies with expertise in the provision of social, physical and psychological support to the victims.”

Falzon said there was a need to understand the connection between human smuggling and human trafficking, particularly for arrivals by boat. “Our experience tells us that human traffickers often exploit the routes used by refugees to send their victims to their intended destination, where they will be exploited as sex labourers or other forms of undignified treatment.”

Falzon said aditus strongly recommends the active involvement in the action plan of all stakeholders, governmental and nongovernmental, actively involved with migrants and asylum-seekers.