Mr President, first and foremost I would like to congratulate Mrs Cerdeira on her speech and her report. Victims must not be victims twice over, first of crime, and subsequently of the system. The victim’s most important right in the course of legal proceedings is therefore the right to be heard during the session. This is also of fundamental importance. It is quoted in many international documents on victims of crimes and it is essential for the victim to be given access to their own lawsuit. It is also in the interests of the victim for the case to be brought to a swift conclusion, since slow proceedings can lead to the person feeling an ever worse sense of victimisation a second time round. Also, victims of sex crimes should no longer be forced to repeatedly give evidence. I also think video links could prove very useful when dealing with children who have been the victim of sexual abuse. So the debate on this issue is set to continue. It is extremely important for specialised assistance to be provided, as Mrs Smet indicated, irrespective of the nature of the crime. It is important, in this context, for a number of prejudices surrounding this issue to be dispelled; for example the amount of importance attached to certain forms of crime varies from country to country. In addition, it has been ascertained that when victims report crimes they are subjected to discriminatory behaviour. Member States should be compelled to set up special police units for victims of crime. What we also need is a legal basis and harmonisation of measures for the protection of victims. The study carried out by An Weghers within the framework of the Grotius programme provides the necessary basic information to this end. The useful information available in certain Member States concerning existing measures could play an important part in the harmonisation of a common package of measures. An initiative of this kind would also be a first step in the direction of crime prevention. But in view of the fact that organised cross-border crime is on the increase, the initiative would have to lead to a common prevention programme at European and international level. Until such time as a harmonised instrument for cross-border protection of victims is in place, it is incumbent on the Member States and the candidate countries, in cooperation with the NGOs, to improve the level of protection for victims, and where appropriate, examine under what conditions the victim is entitled to support for their return to their country of origin, or temporary right of residence, in the way that Belgium accords a status to victims of trafficking in human beings, for example. Compensation for the victim must take precedence over the payment of the fine and legal costs to the State. The Member States must ensure that the mediators come from all walks of life, men as well as women, and that they have a thorough understanding of the local culture and communities. It is also important in this context, for the next of kin, i.e. the family of the victim, to be apprised of the facts in a discreet and professional manner, should they so wish, and for them to be able to rely on receiving the necessary support and not have to learn everything from the press.

Political group: Verts-ALE