Topic: 2024-Human Trafficking
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Dia Sriram
Dia Sriram
Greece
Human Trafficking
Social, Humanitarian, & Cultural Committee
Forest Hills Central High School
The United Nations defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. This exploitation is a global crisis that affects up to 50 million people worldwide today. Human trafficking is a multimillion-dollar criminal industry that has thrived despite the current world efforts due to poverty, conflict, and weak enforcement of policies such as the 2000 UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons
This UN protocol identifies three key elements of human trafficking: the act, the means, and the purpose, which together outline the mechanisms of this crime. Addressing this issue requires extreme preventative measures, victim protection, and prosecution of offenders, along with coordinated and fast international action.
Greece has long been affected by human trafficking due to its geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa. As a member of the European Union, Greece plays a key role in managing migration flows, which often intersect with trafficking networks. Greece has taken significant steps to address trafficking, including the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, which focuses on prevention, protection, and prosecution, and national laws such as Article 323A of the Greek Penal Code, criminalize trafficking and enact severe penalties for offenders. Greece also supports victim protection services, including shelters, counseling, and legal aid.
Historically, Greece has worked with neighboring countries and international organizations to fight trafficking. Key events include participation in the development of the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive, which sets common standards for member states, and partnerships with NGOs to support victims.
Today, Greece remains an advocate for combating human trafficking, especially in human trafficking’s connection to migration. As a transit country for migrants and refugees, Greece has strengthened border controls and increased efforts to identify and assist trafficking victims. The government works with the EU and other international organizations to fund anti-trafficking initiatives and provides training for law enforcement to recognize and respond to trafficking cases effectively.
Internationally, the UN has established key frameworks to combat trafficking, including the 2000 UN Protocol and various resolutions by the General Assembly. The Protocol has been ratified by 181 nations, including Greece, demonstrating the global commitment to combating trafficking. The EU has also adopted measures such as the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings, which emphasizes prevention, protection, and international cooperation. Countries have implemented diverse approaches, from awareness campaigns to enhanced border security, to tackle the issue. Greece actively participates in these efforts, contributing to joint operations and data-sharing initiatives to disrupt trafficking networks.
To strengthen efforts against human trafficking, Greece proposes many solutions that could be beneficial and vital for stopping the spread and perpetuation of human trafficking. This includes creating an INTERPOL-managed global database to enhance coordination, training border personnel to identify and assist victims, and increasing resources for shelters and reintegration programs. Public awareness campaigns should be funded and created to educate communities on recognizing trafficking, while an annual summit should be established to assess progress and fund solutions. Greece offers to co-host and contribute its expertise.
Human trafficking is a violation of human rights that requires urgent action. Greece, with its strategic position and commitment to combating trafficking, is dedicated to supporting international initiatives. By helping in cooperation, supporting victims, and stopping root causes, the global community can make significant strides in eradicating this crime.
