WRITTEN QUESTION E-1810/02

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Human trafficking in Bosnia

Certain information has recently come to light accompanied by a number of press reports, all pointing to the emergence of a modern form of white slave trade in Bosnia. Tens of thousands of women from Eastern Europe are taken there to be bought and then sold to procurers in other countries particularly the EU. It was also revealed at an Unesco conference on human trafficking held in Thessaloniki that around 5 000 under-age girls are being sent to Russia each year from Bosnia and other countries for the white slave trade.

Given the strong presence of armed forces in Bosnia, including large contingents from EU Member States, its task of preserving the peace and, presumably, law and order could be seen as including action to underpin basic respect for the rule of law and provide at least a minimum degree of protection of human rights, for example by putting an end to trafficking in humans.

What steps have been taken by the Commission to combat this problem in Europe and in particular the applicant countries? Does the Commission have any analytical data concerning related issues in the EU Member States?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2002)

The Commission is aware of reports of trafficking in human beings in the Western Balkans, particularly women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation. In this trade Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is both a point of transit, a final destination and to a lesser extent a source country. BiH has become associated with this activity because it offers traffickers opportunities such as porous borders, under-resourced and uncoordinated police forces, a disjointed and still largely unreformed judicial system, and not least a ready market.

International armed forces in BiH (currently around 18 000) form part of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR). SFOR is not a policing organisation; therefore, it does not directly target traffickers. Nevertheless, its mission to secure peace and stability creates an environment in which other authorities, both local police and

international organisations, can address this crime. The United Nations' Special Trafficking Operations Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been an important weapon in the fight against trafficking. The Union also contributes indirectly by addressing the opportunities which traffickers exploit. Thus, in 2001 the CARDS assistance programme provided EUR 2,5 million to the BiH State Border Service helping that country improve control of its borders. In 2002 CARDS support is directed inter alia to reform of the prosecutorial and judicial systems in BiH. It will further contribute EUR 5 million to developing police capabilities through technical assistance, training, equipment and office development. Combating trafficking will of course also be a concern of the EU Police Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina which will commence on 1 January 2003.

As regards combating trafficking in wider Europe, in particular in the candidate countries, Commission policy is characterised by a focus put on the victims of this abhorrent criminal activity, on dismantling criminal networks and on prevention. Legislative action has been taken and a Framework Decision laying down common definitions and sanctions may soon be adopted. A Commission proposal for a Directive on short-term stay permits for victims who co-operate against their exploiters is also under discussion in the Council. The STOP II Programme provides support to training, research and projects promoting the development of co-operation at Union level, and the European Forum on Prevention of Organised Crime specifically addresses trafficking in human beings. On 28 September 2001 the Ministers of Justice and the Interior, together with their colleagues from the candidate countries, agreed 12 measures to combat trafficking, among them active operational co-operation, the organisation of information campaigns and the provision of assistance to victims. These measures will form a platform for developed co-operation with the applicant countries.

Despite the difficulty of collecting statistical data in this area, most actors involved in combating trafficking in human beings agree that it is a growing phenomenon. At a global level, estimates reach as high as 700 000 women and children being moved across international borders by trafficking rings each year. Some non-governmental organisations put the number significantly higher, especially if trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation is included. The Commission will continue to support research with a view to improving the understanding of the phenomenon under the STOP II Programme.