A delegation of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out an evaluation visit to Monaco from 5 to 7 July 2023 as part of the third evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The focus of this evaluation round of the Convention is on trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies. Prior to the visit, the Monegasque authorities provided a reply to GRETA's questionnaire for the third evaluation round. In addition to the new thematic focus, GRETA verified how the main recommendations made in its evaluation report for the combined first and second rounds had been implemented.
During the visit, the GRETA delegation met with the Ministry of External Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Public Safety (police), the Department of Judicial Services, the Department of Legal Affairs, the Department of Employment (including the Labour Inspectorate), the Department of Social Welfare and Social Services, the Department of Health Affairs, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Conventions, the anti-money laundering authority (SICCFIN) , the Interministerial Delegation for the Protection and Promotion of Women's Rights, and the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports. The delegation also met with members of the law enforcement agencies and the Public Prosecutor's Office, as well as with judges.
The delegation also held separate meetings with the Office of the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Mediation (Ombudsperson), members of the National Council (Parliament), representatives of non-governmental organisations and trade unions, and members of the Monaco Bar Association.
The visit included a visit to the Foyer de l'Enfance Princesse Charlène and emergency social accommodations for victims of trafficking.
The visit was led by Ms Svala Olafsdottir and Mr Georgios Vanikiotis, members of GRETA, who were accompanied by Ms Parvine Ghadami from the Convention Secretariat.
Following the visit, GRETA will prepare a draft report which will be sent to the Monegasque authorities for comment. GRETA will then adopt a final report to be published in 2024.
See also: Country monitoring | Monaco
GRETA is responsible for evaluating compliance with the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by States Parties. It is the only independent group of experts to monitor the implementation of binding international legal provisions in this area. Entering into force in 2008, the Convention has been ratified by all 46 member States of the Council of Europe, as well as by two non-member States, Belarus and Israel.
