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STOP II - to help prevent and combat trade in human beings and all forms of sexual exploitation
The European Union's STOP II programme for the years 2001-02 is intended to prevent and combat trade in human beings and all forms of sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography and the violence associated with it. It is also designed to help the victims of these criminal activities.
This page gives a general presentation in three parts:
I) Latest developments
Expiring end of 2002. For 2003, see AGIS
II) General context
The STOP II programme follows from the initial STOP programme which ran from 1997 to 2000, aimed at developing a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to preventing andcombating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children, involving the various parties responsible for combating these crimes at European Union level. Its aim was to create a framework fortraining, information, study and exchange programmesfor persons responsible for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children in all its forms, to prevent those phenomena and to fight them more effectively. The STOP programme was renewed for two years to ensure continuity for the projects it supported.
What is the difference between STOP and STOP II?
STOP II's activities are being tied in with those carried out under the Daphne programme, which aims to combat violence against children, adolescents and women. It is also more open to theapplicant countries.
What are the aims of STOP II?
STOP II aims to:
- develop, implement and evaluate a European policy in this area;
- encourage and strengthen networking and practical cooperation such as the exchange and dissemination of information, experience and good practice, and the improvement and adaptation of training and scientific and technical research;
- give particular attention to participation in the projects developed by this programme of the public or private organisations, institutions or associations concerned in the applicant countries;
- step up of cooperation with third countries and the competent regional and international organisations.
Is the STOP II programme open to countries that are not members of the European Union?
Countries who have applied for EU membershipmay participate in STOP II projects in order to become familiar with the Unionacquisin this area and help them prepare for accession. Other third countries may also participate where this serves the aims of the projects.
Who may apply for STOP II funding?
STOP II will co-finance projects submitted by any public or private organisations, institutions or associations in the Member States of the European Union involved in helping victims and preventing and combating trade in human beings and sexual exploitation of children. The programme is intended for persons responsible for assisting victims and for preventing and combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children, such as judges, public prosecutors, law-enforcement authorities. To be eligible for co-financing, the projects must involve at least three Member States, or two Member States and one applicant country.
What other kind of projects may STOP II also finance?
Specific projects organised by Member States of particular interest in terms of either the programme's priorities or cooperation with the applicant countries, and complementary measures organised by the Member States such as seminars, meetings of experts or other activities to disseminate the information obtained under the STOP II programme.
What activities are covered by the programme?
Training, exchanges and work experience placements, studies and research, meetings and seminars, dissemination of the results obtained under the programme.
How much funding is available under STOP II?
A total sum of EUR 4 million for the period 2001 to 2002. The proportion of financial support from the Community budget does not exceed 70 % of the cost of the project.
For more information on Stop II
Secretary of the programme: e-mail: