Publication of GRETA’s second report on Belgium
Belgium has made progress in a number of areas to combat human trafficking and has managed a considerable number of convictions of perpetrators. Improvements are expected inter alia to enhance the identification of child victims and prevent the disappearances of unaccompanied children.
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published today its second evaluation report on Belgium. The report assesses developments since the publication of GRETA's first evaluation report on Belgium in September 2013 as regards the implementation of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
According to the report, GRETA urges the Belgian authorities to
- enhance their efforts to proactively identify child victims of trafficking and to address the problem of unaccompanied children disappearing by providing suitable safe accommodation and appointing legal guardians and adequately trained supervisors or foster parents.
- secure adequate funding for the specialised reception centres for victims of trafficking in order to ensure their unhindered operation and the provision of assistance measures.
- discontinue the practice of face-to-face examination of victims and suspected traffickers in court and to adopt alternative procedures which avoid direct contact, such as video conferences.
For further information, you can visite the website of the Council of Europe.