CMNT_TITLE

Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee notes the enactment of the Combating of Human Trafficking Act in 2014 (Anti-Trafficking Act). It notes that under section 9 of the Act, trafficking in persons is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment for a term of three to ten years and under aggravated circumstances, the sentence of imprisonment is of five to ten years. The Committee also notes that a National Committee for Combating Trafficking (NCCT) has been established. Its functions include others: (i) the development of a national strategy to combat trafficking in persons; (ii) coordination with the relevant stakeholders on preventive measures to combat trafficking in persons; and (iii) the development of awareness raising campaigns by organizing conferences, issuing guidelines and educational tools on the issue of trafficking. Moreover, the Committee notes that under section 28 of the Act, victims of trafficking shall be exempted from judicial fees pertaining to action for compensation for such injury as may be sustained, as a result of their being subjected to any of the offences under the Act. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the Combating of Human Trafficking Act of 2014, including the activities of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking, in terms of preventing, suppressing and punishing trafficking in persons. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether a national strategy to combat trafficking in persons has been adopted and to provide information on its implementation. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure protection and assistance to victims of trafficking.