The comprehensive EU approach is anchored in the EU Anti-trafficking Directive and complemented by the EU Strategy 2012-2016 and the 2017 Communication stepping up EU action.

Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (OJ L 101, 1 15.4.2011)

The Directive provides binding legislation to prevent trafficking, to prosecute criminals effectively and better to protect the victims, in line with the highest European standards.

Brussels, 17.10.2014, COM (2014) 635 final, SWD (2014) 318 final

Adopted on 28 June 1930 and entered into force on 1 May 1932

The Convention was the first international instrument which required the suppression of enforced labour in all its forms. The Forced Labour Convention paved the way for the 1956 Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery.

The Legislation and Case Law section provides an overview of anti-trafficking European and international legislation and relevant case law of EU Member States. National legislation can be found in the Member States and EU policy documents in the EU Policy section.

Council Decision of 8 December 2000 on the signing, on behalf of the European Community, of the United Nations Convention against transnational organised crime and its Protocols on combating trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the smuggling of migrants by land, air and sea 

Council Directive on the residence permit issued to third country-nationals who are victims of trafficking in human beings or who have been the subject of an action to facilitate illegal immigration, who cooperate with the competent authorities

Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA

This Directive establishes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in the area of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, child pornography and solicitation of children for sexual purposes. It also introduces provisions to strengthen the prevention of those crimes and the protection of the victims thereof.