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Repetition

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee notes the Government’s indication concerning the adoption in 2012 of Penal Code amendments criminalizing and penalizing trafficking in persons. Pursuant to amended section 133, the crime of trafficking is punishable by one to seven years’ imprisonment. The Committee also notes the statistical information provided by the Government regarding the number of cases of trafficking in persons brought before the courts. The Government further indicates that, as of 2010, actions against trafficking fall within the scope of the “Development plan for reducing violence (2010–14)”. The development plan encompasses a multi-layered action plan against trafficking, which focuses on both sexual and labour exploitation, and provides for prevention measures, as well as measures to assist victims and strengthen investigations. The plan also draws attention to the need for increased awareness on the various facets of human trafficking, as well as for clear procedural guidelines on interviewing potential victims. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure that thorough investigations and prosecutions are carried out against perpetrators of trafficking in persons. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of section 133 of the amended Penal Code in practice, including the number of investigations and prosecutions carried out, as well as the specific penalties applied. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the “Development plan for reducing violence (2010–14)”, indicating whether the objectives set out have been achieved and whether an evaluation has been undertaken in order to assess the impact of the measures adopted. Please also provide information on the measures taken to protect victims of trafficking and to facilitate their access to immediate assistance and effective remedies.