The Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has urged the Italian authorities to take further action against human trafficking, notably by strengthening measures to combat trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, ensuring effective sanctions for human traffickers, and providing compensation to victims.
In its latest report, GRETA assesses developments since the publication of its second evaluation report on Italy in 2019 as regards the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The report shows that between 2,100 and 3,800 persons have been detected as possible victims of trafficking in Italy per year. While most of victims were women, the number of men and transgender victims has increased. Sexual exploitation remains predominant, but the number of victims of labour exploitation is growing. High-risk sectors include agriculture, textile, domestic service, construction, hospitality and restaurants.
The report notes a number of positive developments since GRETA’s last evaluation of Italy in 2019. Nevertheless, GRETA expresses concern over a number of issues. There has been a decrease in the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions for human trafficking, notes the report. GRETA calls on the authorities to ensure that human trafficking offences are proactively and promptly investigated, and lead to effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.
In the report, GRETA recognises that efforts have been made to improve the detection of victims of trafficking among asylum seekers, notably by the territorial commissions for the recognition of international protection. However, GRETA is concerned that the restrictive immigration measures adopted by Italy foster a climate of criminalisation of migrants, resulting in many potential victims of trafficking not reporting their cases for fear of detention and deportation.
Press release
GRETA calls on Italy to better prevent human trafficking for labour exploitation and ensure effective sanctions for traffickers
