NCJ Number
215735
Date Published
2005
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report examines the current legal provisions in Belgium for the fight against the trafficking in human beings, discusses the prosecution of trafficking cases, and analyzes the procedure in regards to the victims of trafficking.
Abstract
The ambition of the multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted, and integrated approach of the Belgian authorities has allowed for a good level of awareness among all. Key in the relatively early and speedy development of the Belgian policy on trafficking in human beings has been a strong political will. In addition, the Belgian approach has served as an example throughout the European region. Another key element in the continual development of an effective approach is the commitment of all stakeholders. The report describes that it is not enough to have good legislation, human resources, means, and motivation in place. Since the cooperation of victims is of critical importance, the protection of their human rights, the respect for human dignity, and the eventual reintegration of victims into the main-stream society are central to upholding the rule of law and the prosecution of traffickers. In Belgian's fight against the trafficking of human beings and in an attempt to raise the awareness of the Belgian judicial authorities concerning trafficking in human beings, this report examines the current and new national legislation relevant to trafficking in human beings, the current state of awareness of the prosecution of trafficking cases, and the role of the victim in relation to the legal framework for the protection of victims and the three recognized and specialized centers: Payoke for the Flemish region, Pag-Asa for the Brussels region, and Surya for the Walloon region. Annexes 1-3