Global Policy Forum

Trafficking of women into Greece for forced prostitution is a serious human rights problem the government has failed to address, Human Rights Watch said today. In a 41-page memorandum, the group criticized the Greek government for punishing victims while their traffickers enjoy impunity. Trafficking victims are often apprehended by the police, detained, and deported without getting justice for the abuses they suffered while traffickers and their accomplices are rarely held accountable, the memorandum said.

"Trafficking victims in Greece are treated like criminals," said Elizabeth Andersen, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Europe and Central Asia Division. "Meanwhile, the real criminals are going free. The Greek government's response to this issue punishes the wrong people."

The memorandum comes on the heels of a U.S. State Department report released on July 12 that gave Greece the lowest rating possible-along with Burma, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Turkey-for failing to combat trafficking, protect victims, or even acknowledge publicly that trafficking in Greece is a problem. The United Nations and various European institutions have also criticized Greece for inaction on the trafficking of women for forced prostitution.

Human Rights Watch's specific concerns include:

· the absence in Greece of comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation;

· few prosecutions for trafficking under existing criminal laws;

· the lack of witness protection programs for trafficking victims to facilitate their participation in prosecutions;

· the absence of government-sponsored services for all trafficked women, including shelter, medical care, psychological support, and assistance with other basic needs;

· the on-going detention and prosecution of trafficking victims;

· and the continuing complicity of police officers in the trafficking of women.

In May, the Greek government established a working group to develop a national action plan on trafficking. The working group is required to complete its work in one year. Human Rights Watch welcomed the initiative but stressed that many of its recommendations can and should be taken immediately.

"The Greek government has done so little to combat trafficking that urgent measures are required now," said Andersen. "Trafficking victims cannot wait another year for justice."

The memorandum contains detailed short- and long-term recommendations that should be implemented by Greece to meet its obligations and commitments under international and European law. An appendix to the memorandum contains Human Rights Watch's recommendations regarding the European Commission proposal for a Council framework decision on combating trafficking in human beings.

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