For Moldova, the document is of practical interest, as the republic is currently reforming its national legislation in this area.
New Guidelines for States Parties to the Convention
The GRETA document contains practical recommendations for government agencies, immigration services, and organizations that provide assistance to victims.
The main focus is on the application of Article 14 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, which provides for the possibility of granting a residence permit to foreign nationals who have been victims of exploitation, if this is necessary for their protection or cooperation with the investigation.
The recommendations are intended to promote a more uniform application of international standards by all States Parties to the Convention and to enhance the effectiveness of victim protection.
For Moldova, the issue remains relevant
The publication of the document coincided with legislative reform in the Republic of Moldova. In early July, the government approved a draft law from the Ministry of Justice that strengthens measures to protect victims and alleged victims of human trafficking.
In particular, it proposes providing assistance as soon as there are reasonable grounds to suspect exploitation, without waiting for the individual to be granted procedural status in a criminal case.
The bill also provides for stricter penalties for certain forms of human trafficking and improvements to the National Referral Mechanism for Victims.
In a previously published GRETA evaluation report, it was noted that Moldova has made progress in combating human trafficking; but the country was advised to continue its efforts to protect children and other vulnerable groups, improve the identification of victims, and increase the effectiveness of investigations into such crimes.
The Council of Europe’s new recommendations do not establish mandatory standards, but they can be used by states to improve migration legislation and protection mechanisms for foreign nationals who have become victims of human trafficking.
