IMEX Malta |
IMEX Malta - It's a personal service. The Gateway to Europe. |
 | 
|
Maltas Inaugural National Strategy Against Human Trafficking Unveiled
Last changed: August 02 2024 07:09 by PCLMedia
The government has introduced Malta's first national strategy to combat human trafficking, announced Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, at a news conference on Thursday.
Objective and Collaboration
Buttigieg emphasized that this strategy, alongside an action plan, aims to bolster the fight against human trafficking, prevent such crimes, and support victims. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with experts from the Council of Europe and the European Union, co-financed by European funds.
Past Initiatives
Over the past three years, the Directorate of Human Rights has launched various capacity-building initiatives, including training programs for public officials and awareness campaigns for the general public. These efforts are intended to aid in both fighting and preventing human trafficking.
Statistics and Legal Framework
In the last five years, approximately 50 individuals have been identified as victims of human trafficking in Malta, including three Maltese nationals. The most prevalent cases involve trafficking related to prostitution and labor market exploitation.
To demonstrate its commitment, the government amended the law in 2018, increasing the minimum prison sentence for human trafficking from four to six years. Buttigieg noted that recent court judgments reflect these stricter penalties.
Commitment and Future Actions
Buttigieg affirmed the government’s ongoing dedication to combating human trafficking, promising enhanced legislative and administrative measures over the next seven years. An inter-ministerial committee has been established to oversee the strategy's implementation, ensuring best practices in justice and victim support.
Strategic Implementation
A factsheet revealed that the strategy will be implemented over seven years (2024 - 2030), with the National Action Plan's measures executed over four years (2024 - 2027). The strategy focuses on five Strategic Priority Areas:
1. Strengthening the supporting anti-trafficking framework.
2. Increasing victim reporting, effective investigation, and prosecution of traffickers.
3. Comprehensive victim protection, justice, and remedies.
The implementation of these measures will be continuously monitored to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Regular progress assessments will identify operational challenges and recommend necessary adjustments based on national developments, ensuring resources are effectively utilized.
Evaluation Process
Two evaluations will be conducted: a mid-term evaluation at the end of the first National Action Plan and a final evaluation. These evaluations will involve systematic data collection and analysis to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and impact of the actions taken. Various sources of information, including annual reports, will be used to identify areas for adjustment and to inform future objectives and actions.
Key Statistics on Human Trafficking:
Global Statistics
1. Prevalence: As of 2021, an estimated 24.9 million people are victims of human trafficking worldwide. This includes forced labor (16 million), sexual exploitation (4.8 million), and state-imposed forced labor (4.1 million).
2. Demographics: Women and girls account for 71% of trafficking victims, while men and boys account for 29%.
3. Regions: Asia and the Pacific region have the highest number of trafficking victims (over 50%), followed by Europe and Central Asia (19%), and the Americas (16%).
4. Child Trafficking: Children make up 23% of the total trafficking victims.
Europe Statistics
1. European Union: Between 2017 and 2018, around 15,846 victims of human trafficking were registered in the EU. Sexual exploitation is the most common form, accounting for 60% of the cases, followed by labor exploitation (26%).
2. Gender: Women and girls represent 72% of the registered victims in the EU.
3. Origin: The majority of the victims come from EU Member States, with Romania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, and Bulgaria being significant source countries.
Malta Statistics
1. Identified Victims: In the last five years, approximately 50 individuals have been identified as victims of human trafficking in Malta, including three Maltese nationals.
2. Types of Trafficking: The most common cases in Malta are associated with trafficking related to prostitution or labor market exploitation.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution
1. Global: Only a fraction of trafficking cases result in prosecutions. In 2020, there were 7,481 convictions globally for trafficking-related offenses.
2. Europe: The conviction rate for human trafficking in Europe remains relatively low, with many cases resulting in light sentences or being dismissed.
Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
1. International Cooperation: Various international bodies like the United Nations, European Union, and Council of Europe are working together to combat human trafficking through legislative measures, victim support programs, and awareness campaigns.
2. National Strategies: Countries, including Malta, are developing national strategies to enhance their efforts in fighting human trafficking, focusing on prevention, victim support, and stringent legal actions against traffickers.
Contact IMEX Malta
