Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings

The group of experts responsible for advising the Commission on all matters relating to the trafficking of human beings has existed since 2003. Its composition and operation are regularly adjusted in accordance with developments taking place in this field within the European Union (EU).

ACT

Commission Decision 2011/502/EU of 10 August 2011 on setting up the Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings and repealing Decision 2007/675/EC [OJ L 207 of 12.8.2011].

SUMMARY

This Decision establishes a Group of Experts on Trafficking in Human Beings responsible for advising the European Commission on all anti-trafficking matters.

The Group’s main tasks are:

• to provide the Commission with written contributions on matters related to trafficking in human beings, ensuring a coherent approach to the subject;
• to help the Commission to assess the evolution of policy in the field at national, European and international levels, and to identify possible measures;
• to provide a forum for discussion on matters related to trafficking in human beings.

The group shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the Commission for four years on the basis of a call for applications. Its members shall be individuals with expertise and experience in the prevention of and fight against trafficking in human beings. They shall be citizens of a Member State of the European Union (EU), a candidate or potential candidate country or a European Economic Area country.

The group shall be chaired by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. Experts and observers may be invited to participate in meetings.

Neither group members nor experts and observers will receive any remuneration for their services.

Context

Set up in 2003, the group has enabled the Commission to develop its anti-trafficking policy. This Decision repeals the previous Decision establishing the group of experts, in order to take account of the new European Directive on the prevention of and fight against trafficking in human beings and the creation of the position of EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. The latter has the task of improving the coordination of action at European, national and international levels and of participating in the development of EU policies in the field of anti-trafficking.

See also

• Fight against trafficking in human beings - EU Group of Experts

Last updated: 16.11.2011