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.