Violence against Women, Trafficking, and Migration in the European Union

The author summarizes EU anti-trafficking policies between 1996 and 2006, particularly focusing on the Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings and the Directive on the short-term residence permit for victims of trafficking.  The Framework Decision only moderately harmonized anti-trafficking efforts, leaving member counties to independently decide on the priority of enforcement, and define specifics of sexual morality, permissible migration, labour standards, and prostitution policies. The author describes the Directive as viewing victims suspiciously and using victims simply as a source of information regarding other criminal activity. The Action Plan adopted in 2005 represents some steps forward by recognizing the need for a human rights perspective, addressing the gender-based causes of trafficking, and mentioning the prospect of reducing the demand for trafficking.