The Council of Europe's anti-trafficking watchdog has urged countries across the continent to step up the fight against human trafficking. The report by GRETA (Group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings) says that human trafficking is a ‘European tragedy’. The annual report claims that women, men and children are falling victim to sexual abuse, labour exploitation or being forced into criminality in countries across the continent. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said, ‘Many victims are still not being properly recognised or given the support that they need. Furthermore, problems with investigations and prosecutions mean that traffickers are not being sufficiently punished for their crimes. International organisations, national authorities and non-governmental bodies must work together to help put an end to these shocking human rights abuses, which have no place in 21st century Europe,’ he said.
Pray: that the tragedy of trafficking would be recognised and governments would take up the challenge to prosecute perpetrators. (Is.61:8)