Events

MINSK, 26 June (BelTA) - The House of Representatives ratified the draft law "On accession of the Republic of Belarus to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings", BelTA learned.

The Convention was adopted in Warsaw on 16 May 2005. The document aims to protect the rights of victims of trafficking, and is expected to contribute to the effective investigation of such cases and prosecution of those guilty. The Convention also aims to strengthen international cooperation in combating this crime, which has become one of the most profitable, along with drug trafficking.

As of 1 March this year, 39 countries were parties to the Convention. It is very important for Belarus to accede to that instrument as the country is considered one of the progressive states in the fight against trafficking in human beings.

According to Deputy Interior Minister Nikolai Melchenko, hundreds of thousands of people fall victims of human trafficking every year. “The Republic of Belarus was the first among the former Soviet Union republics to launch the extensive fight against it, "he said. The Deputy Minister explained that the country has developed the relevant national legislation. Now Belarus is ready to undertake the obligations under the Convention.

Accession to the Convention will not be burdensome for the country. The annual fee is quite small at €6,900. These funds will be transferred to the budget of the group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings.