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The Committee has noted the information provided by the Government in reply to its 2000 general observation concerning measures to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation. The Government indicates that Iceland has experienced being a transit country for trafficking in women from Europe to the United States, and a number of foreign women come each year to Iceland to work as striptease dancers in clubs; some of them might be forced into prostitution. The Committee has noted the practical measures undertaken by the Government to combat trafficking, in collaboration with the social partners and in cooperation with the governments of the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as the Government’s statement that it is hoping soon to introduce national legislation against trafficking in human beings.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide, in its future reports, information on measures taken or envisaged in this field and, in particular, information on the activities of the working group set up in connection with the campaign against trafficking in women referred to by the Government in its report. Please also provide a copy of the legislation against trafficking in human beings, as soon as it is adopted.