EESC Public hearing on the revision of the EU Anti-trafficking Directive 16 February 2023 - Presentation Suzanne Hoff – La Strada International

Feedback on the current proposal Firstly as for amendments to the definition (article 2 of the directive) - we understand the reasons for includ- ing forced marriage and illegal adoption among the types of exploitation. [...] We however underline that these possible forms fall within the definition of trafficking, only when one of the acts, one of the means and the purpose of exploitation can be established. [...] We therefore see the need for more guidance on the interpretation of these forms to avoid a further lack of clarity and different approaches towards the application of the definition in the different EU Member States. [...] As for Article 8 - Non-punishment of the victim – We would like to see more stringent obligations for states to ensure the effective implementation of the principle of non-punishment, including the obligation to adopt specific penal provisions and prosecutorial guidelines applying to trafficking cases. [...] EESC Public hearing on the revision of the EU Anti-trafficking Directive 16 February 2023 Presentation Suzanne Hoff – La Strada International Also it is important to legally ensure that the non-punishment principle applies to criminal, civil, adminis- trative and immigration offences, regardless of the gravity or seriousness of the offences committed.