Netherlands
- Generally
- Excerpt from the questionnaire
- Contacts
Generally
The function of the National Rapporteur is exercised by an accredited independent agency (1 National Rapporteur - who also is a - part time - judge with a staff of 6 persons).
The National Rapporteur is independent and has no specific tasks other than monitoring all aspects of human trafficking policy. Obvious advantage is the neutral objective look at our national policy of our independent Rapporteur. A possible disadvantage could be a distance towards departments and involved services such as police, science, prosecutors and victim assistance organizations; such a disadvantage has not been currently recognized by the National Rapporteur.
Every 4 years an evaluation takes place and a decision on continuation is made by the government. No time limit was set in 2000 when the National Rapporteur and agency was established. Every year the National Rapporteur submits a report to the government on statistics. Every other year a full report with concrete recommendations is submitted to the government. The government addresses the recommendations in policy papers, legislative proposals and in activities initiated by the Task Force Human trafficking (chaired by the Procurator General). Government initiatives are discussed with Parliament.
The National Rapporteur is a member of the Task Force.
Financial support 5 involved ministries (Justice, Interior, Health, Labor and Foreign Affairs) and logistic support by the Ministry of Justice.
Excerpt from the questionnaire
9. What are the main tasks and responsibilities of the National Rapporteur in your country?
- 9.1. Monitoring and analyses of the situation, trends and possible threads.
Yes. - 9.2. Collection of data on THB.
- 9.2.1. There is a central collection of a statistical data on THB and the data is received from various stakeholders.
The National Rapporteur collects statistical data from various stakeholders on THB and disseminates the information in the yearly reports.- 9.2.1.1. If yes, please provide information on the nature of the stakeholders. (E. g. Ministry of Justice, Police, Labour Inspectors, Embassies, NGOs, etc.).
Police, prosecutors service, immigration, victim assistance organisations, research services etc.
- 9.2.1.1. If yes, please provide information on the nature of the stakeholders. (E. g. Ministry of Justice, Police, Labour Inspectors, Embassies, NGOs, etc.).
- 9.2.2. Is some of the data collected directly by the National Rapporteurs office? (E. g. personal data on the following).
The Rapporteur does some research itself which is reflected in her reports.
- 9.2.1. There is a central collection of a statistical data on THB and the data is received from various stakeholders.
- 9.3. Coordination of anti-trafficking activities on a national level.
The Minister of Justice is responsible for coordinating anti trafficking policy and for law enforcement, crime prevention and immigration. Local policy and police matters fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport are also active in combating THB.
All involved ministries have appointed a coordinator for human trafficking. They meet regularly in interdepartmental meetings. Twice a year all ministries meet with involved NGO’s and the National Rapporteurs. - 9.4. National Reports.
- 9.4.1. Annual reports.
Yes, combating Human Trafficking is addressed within the overall Programme Strengthening tackling Organised Crime. This programme is monitored on a yearly basis. Since Human trafficking is such a high priority for government, parliament and the different services (law enforcement, prosecutors and NGO’s), experience is that several more specialized initiatives are presented to and discussed with parliament throughout the year. The activities of the Task Force Human Trafficking (established in February 2008) are incorporated in appropriate policy papers. - 9.4.2. Reports based on a longer period. Please describe period length and state why this specific period of time was chosen.
Since 2004, a National Threat Assessment on organized crime is submitted every 2 years. Every 4 years on the bases of the National Threat Assessments, National Priorities organized crime are being selected and discussed in parliament. Human trafficking and smuggling has since 2004 been named a priority for law enforcement services.
- 9.4.1. Annual reports.
- 9.5. Preparation and evaluation of the National Action Plans.
- 9.5.1.To whom are the above mentioned documents submitted?
All policy papers and action plans are send to Parliament and discussed in parliament. Our national action plan was presented to parliament in December 2004 and supplementary measures in February 2006. Main focus at this stage is the work initiated by the Task Force Human Trafficking on all different areas of combating human trafficking. - 9.5.2. Who approves these documents?
All involved ministries and eventually parliament. - 9.5.3. Who enforces the actions stipulated by the documents?
Documents with actions are prepared with the involvement of the different services (law enforcement and NGO’s) and ministries. The Ministry of Justice coordinates (implementation of) activities stipulated in the documents.
- 9.5.1.To whom are the above mentioned documents submitted?
- 9.6. International cooperation in the majority of the above mentioned areas.
International initiatives are as much as possible incorporated in policy papers and activities of the government. Mentioned could be the bilateral cooperation with countries of origin such as Bulgaria, Rumania and Nigeria and cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba). At EU level the Netherlands have initiated the North West Hub cooperation of 7 EU Member States with Europol. The Council of Europe Convention combating human trafficking is in final station of ratification.
Contacts
Contacts:
Postal address
Bureau Nationaal Rapporteur Mensenhandel
PO Box 20301 (TN4C03)
2500 EH The Hague, the Netherlands
Bureau Nationaal Rapporteur Mensenhandel
PO Box 20301 (TN4C03)
2500 EH The Hague, the Netherlands
Visiting address
Schedeldoekshaven 131
2511 EM The Hague, the Netherlands
Schedeldoekshaven 131
2511 EM The Hague, the Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0) 70 370 45 14
Fax: +31 (0)70 370 45 37
Fax: +31 (0)70 370 45 37
For infomation please contact Mrs. Rekha G. Oedairadjsingh,
email: r.g.oedairadjsingh@bnrm.nl