Turkey's Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking - Interview with Turkish Judge Ilknur Altuntas

• NCJ Number: 234737
• Author(s): Ilknor Altuntas
• Date Published: July 2008
• Length: 3 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Presentation (Multimedia); Legislation/Policy Description; Interview

Annotation

This audio and its transcript cover a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) podcast of an interview with one of Turkey's judges, Ilknur Altuntas, regarding human trafficking in his country.

Abstract

His comments on Turkey's position on human trafficking note that Turkey has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its additional Protocol To Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Turkey criminalized human trafficking in 2002, defining human trafficking and prescribing a sentence of imprisonment for 8-12 years, as well as a judicial fine. In 2002, a National Task Force was established to ensure an effective mechanism for combating human trafficking. A National Action Plan has been developed by the National Task Force and approved by the Prime Ministry. Protection of victims and their rights to physical, psychological, and social services are given high priority. If victims wish to return to their home countries, police provide for a safe return. The judge views Turkey's establishment of help-line services for trafficking victims as the most important of Turkey's efforts to identify and serve victims of sex trafficking.