3rd Annual International Symposium on Preventing Human Trafficking: Integrating the European Knowledge

Key Speakers

Mr. Gert Bogers, Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings, DG Home Affairs, European Commission
Mrs. Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA and Committee of the Parties)
Ms. Fadela Novak-Irons, Policy Officer, UNHCR Bureau for Europe,
Prof. Willy Bruggeman PhD, Professor, Benelux University Centre; Chair, Belgian Federal Police Board
Representative, Stop the Traffik International Office
Ruth Krcmar, Counter Trafficking Programme Coordinator, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Ukraine
Mr Duco van Heel, External Relations Officer, Frontex
Mrs. Linda Eriksson Baca, Counter Trafficking Regional Thematic Specialist, International Organization for Migration

The problem of Human Trafficking is an increasingly disturbing phenomenon in Europe with terrible consequences for victims, the majority of which are forced into prostitution, street crime, domestic servitude or other forms of labour exploitation. Furthermore, as well as devastating the lives of individuals, this crime has far-reaching implications for the social, economic and organisational fabric of every affected community in Europe.

Recently, several reports have highlighted the urgent need to raise public awareness of trafficking, improve training in order to better identify victims, and develop better institutional co-operation and multi-agency working – all critical in the fight against trafficking, which alarmingly includes large numbers of children. In order to tackle its multi-level and cross-border roots effectively, a multidisciplinary and comparative approach at EU and national level is required, alongside a renewed political will to combat this problem.

With a new Directive on trafficking in human beings adopted by the European Council in March this year, the 3rd Annual International Symposium on Preventing Human Trafficking offers a timely opportunity for local, regional and national authorities to gather comparative knowledge, discuss the latest challenges and share examples of cross-border best practices.

The adoption of a new Directive is a pivotal step towards the creation of a structured and comprehensive strategy backed by a robust legal framework. Key to the ambitious new measures is the adoption of a victim-centred approach, which includes a gender perspective and aims to shed more light on issues such as a common definition of the crime, cross-border prosecution, treatment of vulnerable victims, victims support, witness protection, monitoring mechanisms and prevention aspects.

Seeking to integrate the European knowledge, this annual Symposium provides a platform to bring together case studies and best practices with important contributions from EU policymakers, major international organizations and NGOs from across Europe.

In order to encourage greater political will, facilitate policy discussion and explore comprehensive and integrated solutions to fighting the ‘hidden’ crime of human trafficking, Public Policy Exchange is proud to host this annual Symposium and welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking, topical debate.

Programme

09:15 Registration and Morning Refreshments
10:00 Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

Prof. Willy Bruggeman PhD, Professor, Benelux University Centre; Chair, Belgian Federal Police Board (confirmed)
10:10 Panel Session One:
Fighting Human Trafficking in Europe – Exchanging Best Practices and Raising Awareness of Current and Future Challenges
  • Common Definition of the Crime – Challenges and Possible Solutions
  • Higher Penalties and Protection against Punishment for Illegal Activities
  • Improving Identification of Victims
  • Resident Permits of Trafficked Persons
  • Exchanging Some Best Practices and Lessons Learned at Regional Level
Speakers:
Mr. Gert Bogers, Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings, DG Home Affairs, European Commission (confirmed)
Mrs. Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA and Committee of the Parties) (confirmed)
Mr. Duco van Heel, External Relations Officer, Frontex (confirmed)
11:10 Morning Coffee Break
11:30 First Round of Discussions
12:10 Networking Lunch
13:10 Panel Session Two:
Identifying New Types of Interventions for Preventing Human Trafficking in Europe
  • Creating a Holistic Approach on Migrants – Some Best Practices
  • Developing an Anti-Trafficking Strategy at National, Regional and Global Levels
  • Expanding Victim Support Services across Europe
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Approaches in Preventing Human Trafficking
  • Creating Effective Benchmarking and Awareness-Raising Campaigns
  • Sharing Some Comparative Best Practices
  • Developing Standard Operating Procedures
  • Recommendations for Future Policy Action
Keynote Speeches:
Ms. Fadela Novak-Irons, Policy Officer, UNHCR Bureau for Europe (confirmed)
Mrs. Linda Eriksson Baca, Counter Trafficking Regional Thematic Specialist, International Organization for Migration (confirmed)
14:00 Second Round of Discussions
14:40 Afternoon Coffee Break
14:55 Panel Session Three:
Bottom-Up Approaches in Tackling Human Trafficking
  • Effective Direct Assistance Programmes in the EU
  • Victim-Centred Policies for Social Integration
  • “Voluntary” Return, Limited Documentation
  • Creating Awareness-Raising Campaigns – Some Best Practices
  • Safeguarding Female Victims of Trafficking – Exchanging Some Best Practices and Lessons Learned
  • Recommendations
Keynote Speeches:
Mr Antonie Fountain, Director at Stop The Traffik Netherlands (confirmed)
Ruth Krcmar, Counter Trafficking Programme Coordinator, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Ukraine (confirmed)
15:45 Third Round of Discussions
16:15 Chair’s Summary and Closing Remarks
16:20 Networking Reception
16:50 Symposium Close

Who Should Attend?

  • Police Service, Police Authorities
  • Interpol
  • Missing Persons Units
  • Diplomatic Missions
  • EU Officials
  • Border Agency Staff
  • Visa & Consular Sections in National Administrations
  • Port & Airport Authorities
  • Travel & Transportation Industry
  • Licensing Enforcement Officers
  • Housing Officials
  • Children & Youth Services
  • Social Services
  • Public Health Practitioners
  • Asylum & Refugee Groups
  • Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
  • Crime Reduction Partnerships
  • Alcohol & Drug Action Teams
  • Victim Support Organisations
  • Local, Regional & National Authorities
  • Local Authority Officers & Councillors
  • Governmental Departments & Agencies
  • School Authorities & Local Education Welfare Authorities
  • Workers & Employers Confederations
  • Beer, Pub and Club Industry
  • Licensed Entertainment Industry & Private Sector Organisations
  • Media Organisations
  • Academics & Research Institutes
  • Migration Organisations
  • Criminal Justice Specialists
  • Judges & Magistrates
  • Legal Professionals
  • Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences
  • Faith Groups
  • Equality & Human Rights Practitioners
  • NGOs
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Event Brochure

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Hotel Accommodation

Public Policy Exchange are pleased to offer a discounted rate at the Silken Hotel Brussels for delegates attending this event. Simply book a delegate place and a we will email you a discount code alongside your confirmation.

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24th November 2011
Silken Hotel, Brussels

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“ It is clear to all of us that trafficking in human beings is a crime that cannot be tolerated in any form in Europe – or anywhere else. In current history books, we are told that slavery was abolished a long time ago: yet the estimated number of trafficking victims in Europe shows that slavery still exists. Trafficking in human beings is the human slavery of our time. Trafficking is a threat to the perhaps most important value of our societies, namely the individual freedom and dignity of each human being. Our counter-actions must be at least as strong as the threat is. ”
Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner Responsible for Home Affairs, October 2010
“ This is very important step towards a comprehensive and more effective European anti-trafficking policy. I would like to thank the Council and the European parliament for the swift adoption of this directive. The new ambitious rules adopted today will keep the EU at the forefront of the international fight against human trafficking by protecting the victims and punishing the criminals behind this modern slavery ”
Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner Responsible for Home Affairs, March 2011
“ Trafficking affects the most vulnerable. It is a crime against the human rights of all the women, men, and children traded for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation, removal of organs, begging, and other illegal activities. The numbers are frightening. Several hundred thousand of people are trafficked into the EU or within the EU every year. With this directive, the EU is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those engaging in any part of the trafficking process and that it will ensure that victims are fully protected and given the opportunity to recover and re-integrate into society. ”
Myria Vassiliadou, EU Anti Trafficking Coordinator, March 2011