The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) takes stock of the measures taken by the Republic of Cyprus to combat trafficking in Human Beings.
In its evaluation report concerning Cyprus, which was published yesterday, GRETA makes also proposals concerning the way in which the Cypriot authorities may deal with the problems identified.
The report notes that following ratification of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention, the Cypriot authorities have taken a number of important steps to combat trafficking in human beings (THB). Thus, a comprehensive anti-trafficking law (Law 87(I)/2007) was adopted in 2007.
The Multidisciplinary Coordinating Group for Combating THB was established in July 2008, involving all relevant national bodies as well as NGO representatives. This group has drawn up a national action plan against THB covering the period 2010-2012.
The adoption of a comprehensive anti-trafficking law and the abolition of the so-called “artiste visas”, which favoured trafficking of women for the purpose of sexual exploitation, are amongst the important steps taken by the Cypriot authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, according to the report.
The report notes however that there has not been a single conviction for the criminal offence of trafficking in human beings and no victims have received compensation.
It adds that the definition of “trafficking in human beings” contained in Cypriot legislation is in line with the definition in Article 4 of the Convention.
However, it continues, GRETA is concerned that the definition of “victim of THB” contained in Law 87(I)/2007 requires that the person concerned has sustained damage or financial loss directly caused by the offence of THB.
In its report, GRETA stresses the need to take specific measures to discourage demand for the services of trafficked persons, to provide adequate assistance to all victims of trafficking and to address the lack of convictions for the crime of trafficking in human beings.
GRETA also considers that the Cypriot authorities should step up the proactive investigation of potential cases of THB in sectors such as entertainment, tourism, agriculture and domestic work, including through close monitoring of the application of the visa regimes for performing artists.
