Reference on trafficking of persons

Following the 6th Annual Meeting (2001), the Forum Council requested the ACJ to consider a reference on trafficking in persons.

The ACJ was asked to provide advice regarding the nature and scope of a State's obligation under international law, including international human rights law, to prevent trafficking, to investigate and prosecute traffickers, and to provide protection, assistance and redress to trafficked persons.

In its Final Report, the ACJ acknowledged that trafficking is a global problem that requires global and regional solutions.

It urged member States to ratify the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, which would facilitate a global network of co-operation and information sharing.

The ACJ also recommended that States enact national laws to combat trafficking, provide adequate resources to enforce those laws and, along with national human rights institutions and NGOs, provide support and protection for victims, undertake research, develop education and training programs and establish national and regional networks to share information and expertise.