A delegation of GRETA carried out an evaluation visit to Bulgaria from 30 September to 4 October 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

The GRETA delegation met several of the members of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, subordinated to the Council of Ministers, along with its Secretary, Ms Daniela Saveklieva.  In addition to holding meetings in Sofia, GRETA’s delegation travelled to Burgas, Sliven and Varna, where it met with members of the Local Commissions for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

A delegation of GRETA carried out an evaluation visit to Romania from 7 to 11 October 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

The GRETA delegation met Mr Valentin Vătăjelu, State Counsellor and President of the Interministerial Committee for Strategic Intersectorial Coordination of the Fight against Trafficking in Persons, as well as officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.

A GRETA delegation carried out an evaluation visit to Denmark on 7-11 October 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
During the visit, the GRETA delegation met officials from the Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality, the Ministry of Employment, the Ministry of Taxation, the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing. Meetings were also held with agencies under the Ministry of Justice, the National Cybercrime Centre, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Police Academy.

A delegation of GRETA carried out an evaluation visit to Montenegro on 2-5 December 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

During the visit, the delegation met representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family and Demography, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights. 

A delegation of GRETA carried out an evaluation visit to the United Kingdom on 3-11 December 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention.

The visit enabled GRETA to hold meetings with officials, civil society representatives and individuals with lived experiences across the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. In London, the GRETA delegation met the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips MP, and officials from relevant ministries and agencies. Separate meetings were held with the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, David Bolt, and staff of the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Further, GRETA’s delegation exchanged with members of the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.

A GRETA delegation carried out an evaluation visit to Malta from 9 to 12 December 2024, as part of the fourth evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

The GRETA delegation held a meeting with Mr Jonathan Vassallo, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister for European Funds, Equality, Reforms, and Social Dialogue, as well as representatives from the Human Rights Directorate of the Office. Meetings were also held with officials from other relevant ministries and agencies

Some 40 representatives of government departments, agencies, civil society and international organisations met in Dublin on 19 September 2024 to discuss the implementation of the recommendations from GRETA’s third evaluation report on Ireland and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation.

About 20 representatives of Luxembourg government agencies and civil society met on 27 September 2024 in Luxembourg to discuss the implementation of the conclusions of the third evaluation report of GRETA and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation.

Some 30 representatives of Belgian government agencies, public bodies and civil society met in Brussels on 1 October 2024 to discuss the implementation of the recommendations from the third evaluation report prepared by GRETA and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation.

Some 20 representatives of Slovenian government agencies, public bodies and civil society met in Ljubljana on 10 December 2024 to discuss the implementation of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention, on the basis of the third evaluation report issued by GRETA and the related Committee of the Parties’ recommendation.

Measures to enhance national and regional anti-trafficking responses and strengthen their impact were the focus of the annual meeting of the National Anti-trafficking Co-ordinators and Rapporteurs, co- organised by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB) and the Council of Europe

More than 170 participants, representing over 60 countries from across the Council of Europe and OSCE regions, gathered to discuss ways to increase political will and bolster effective anti-trafficking responses vis-à-vis other national priorities and challenges. They also discussed institutional and legislative initiatives, policies, capacity-building measures and other anti-trafficking initiatives that have the potential for high impact.

The annual meeting of the Council of Europe Network of specialised lawyers and NGOs providing legal assistance to victims of trafficking in human beings discussed the stocktaking of the 3rd evaluation round of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, new case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, and collaboration between the investigating authorities, lawyers and NGOs in human trafficking cases.

“On this European Anti-Trafficking Day, it is clear that there must be immediate action to combat trafficking as the escalation of current global challenges threatens to create more victims. To address this issue, GRETA has launched a new monitoring cycle, focusing on trafficking among vulnerable groups. We must unite to protect those most at risk, prevent human trafficking, and build a society that upholds the dignity and rights of all, including the most vulnerable ones.”