The Global Report 2012 provides an overview of patterns and flows of trafficking in persons at global, regional and national levels. The report also includes a chapter on the worldwide response to trafficking in persons and country profiles for each of the 132 countries covered by this edition.

On 5 April 2011, the European Union adopted Directive 2011/36/EU which sets out minimum standards to be applied throughout the European Union in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims.

According Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, the Commission is required to submit this first report to the European Parliament and the Council with a view to examining the dgree of progress in the implementation of the above Regulation.