Combating trafficking in human beings: offences, penalties and sanctions, liability in criminal matters. Framework Decision

The Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner, Mr VITORINO, agreed to place the Commission's proposal, on which Mrs KLAMT bases her report, in a much broader context - which is to combat against organised crime and prevention measures aiming to dampen the treatment of human beings. The Council has already, in March, adopted a Decision on a strategy for assistance and protection for victims. The Commission shares the objectives of certain amendments, it cannot on the other hand accept those already covered by other framework decisions. The Commissioner considerd that it would be positive to create a fund in roder to protect the victim but believes that the amendment on this point goes against the principle of subsidiarity. On the other hand, he accpets the amendments which require the ratification of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of children and also of those aiming to take into consideration handicapped children. He also recalls that there is actually a compromise on the penalties and their rigour.�