Intervention by Greece during the ID with the SR on extreme poverty and human rights Mrs. Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona and with the SR on trafficking, Mrs. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo

Intervention by Greece during the ID with the SR on extreme poverty and human rights Mrs. Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona and with the SR on trafficking, Mrs. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
May 28 2013, 12: 00-15: 00

Thank you Mr. President,

Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to thank the Special Rapporteurs for today's presentations. Greece has extended an open invitation to all Special Procedures and strongly encourages all States to extend an invitation to both Special Rapporteurs.

The issue of trafficking constitutes a priority for Greece and we fully subscribe to all the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur. Greece, due to, among others, massive influx of irregular migrants over the last decade, has strengthened legislation and policies in order to more effectively combat trafficking. Trafficking is punished with imprisonment up to ten years and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 euros, or at least ten years of imprisonment and a fine of 50.000 to 100.000 euros in cases of further aggravating circumstances, such as juvenile victims. The law also entails imprisonment for at least six months for those who intentionally use services provided by victims and specific provisions for the protection and support of victims, including the protection of life and physical integrity, provision of housing, food, health care etc., in particular for underage victims. The law provides for the suspended deportation of trafficking victims, until a final decision is reached on the reported criminal acts. Protection is provided once criminal proceedings are initiated against the traffickers or if the victim has appealed to Services and Units Providing Protection and Assistance. The Law introduced a temporary residence permit, including work permit, for victims who are in the country with no legal entitlement and who bring charges against traffickers. Greece has ratified, as well, the Palermo Convention and its Protocols.

Greece will also continue focusing on a four pronged Action Plan, with a view to further improve and consolidate a Preventive, Protective and Prosecutorial framework, in Partnership with relevant bodies within major international organisations and countries of origin, certainly transit and destination. The Hellenic Police operates 19 counter-THB task forces throughout Greece and their work is based on large scale national and cross-border operation.

Mrs. Ezeilo, what is your legal advice to States who are trying to protect victims of trafficking when, in the same time, those victims may be irregular migrants and by definition they do not subscribe to the legal requirements when entering a country irregularly?

Finally, Greece would like to thank both Special Rapporteurs for their work and wish them all success in their task.

Thank you, Mr. President