The Council of Europe is implementing targeted co-operation activities on issues related to trafficking in human organs with the purpose of providing national authorities with information about relevant standards, as well as with the tools and the necessary expertise to comply with them. These activities thus provide considerable added value towards efforts of member States and third countries to fight against this phenomenon.
As a cross-border crime, trafficking in human organs affects all countries. The Council of Europe has long been concerned about the absence of harmonised international legislation, non-deterrent sanctions which are not proportionate to the harm caused to victims, and the involvement of criminal organisations which operate across national borders. To redress these issues, the Council of Europe endeavours to bring together relevant actors through its schedule of regional, national and international conferences.
Workshops are a timely opportunity for policymakers and national authorities (justice, health, customs and law enforcement authorities) to explore and broaden their understanding of the emerging trends, issues and challenges in the field of organ trafficking.
