
October 18 - EU Anti-Trafficking Day
Today, the
European community marks the Day against Trafficking in Human Beings, launched
back in 2007 by the European Parliament as a day of consolidation of activities
to raise awareness on the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings, especially
women and children, to promote the indifference of the public to this
phenomenon and to address this problem with joining efforts of the entire
global community.
Ukraine, by having
declared the course towards European integration, joined the essential
international legal acts in the field of combating human trafficking, and
adopted relevant national legislation.
For the Ministry
of Social Policy as a national coordinator in the area of countering
trafficking in human beings, the European Anti-Trafficking Day is another
reason to announce about the urgency of the problem, as well as the need to combine
the endeavours of state authorities, local governments
and the public to protect the victims.
One of the essential tasks for the Ministry is the formation in society of the understanding that human dignity, human rights are the highest value, as well as the prevention and formation of a zero tolerance policy with regards to human exploitation.
Today, events are
being held at the national level to mark October 18th, which include the
broadcasting of social videos throughout Ukraine, the placement of billboards
and advertisement panels with corresponding images of social character.
Trafficking in
human beings is the commission of an illegal deal, in which person is the
object, and according to the Criminal Code of Ukraine, is considered a capital
offence, which provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 15
years. Therefore, punishment of criminals who commit trafficking in human
beings is another important objective for the state.