Trafficking in human beings from a gender perspective directive 2011/36/EU : European implementation assessment

The different forms of trafficking in human beings (THB) are serious crimes affecting fundamental rights, health, social life, economy and justice. THB can be tackled effectively only through a coherent approach at the levels of legislation and executive powers and through strategic policy-making. Taking into account the gender dimension of THB is essential to be effective in prosecution and prevention as well as in ensuring adequate support for the victims. The 2011 EU Anti-Trafficking Directive was a landmark piece of legislation in that respect. The Ex-Post Impact Assessment Unit of the European Parliament has asked several groups of experts to analyse the implementation and application of the Directive, from a gender perspective, in 12 Member States. The contributions received underline an uneven implementation of the Directive's requirements across the EU Member States. They emphasise the need to improve the identification of victims, which is key for granting them protection, to establish better training on the gender aspects of the different forms of human trafficking for front-line officers, to enhance cooperation between public administration and competent NGOs, and to expand prevention via public awareness campaigning and by the effective reduction in demand.