In a statemnet, the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) criticises that trafficked persons are still too often detained and prosecuted for crimes they are forced to commit by traffickers and calls on countries to strengthen measures to identify and protect trafficked persons and improve access to justice to prevent revictimisation and punishment. Trafficked persons would need to be promptly recognised as victims of crime and given access to the necessary support and protection services. This support should not be conditional on their participation in criminal proceedings, said UNODC Executive Director Waly. Widespread violence, poverty, systemic inequality, discrimination, marginalisation and corruption enable the existence and persistence of trafficking, ICAT stresses. A meeting of states will be held on 22-23 November to assess the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (GPA) and issue a political declaration to be adopted by the UN General Assembly.
ICAT, which is the UN’s leading policy forum to address trafficking in human beings, is coordinated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and is comprised of 30 UN entities as well as other international and regional organizations.
