Your Guide to Knowledge and Impact
Here you can find our knowledge bank, which includes information about international and national mechanisms, reports, and actions aimed at combating human trafficking and strengthening human rights.
What is GRETA?
The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) is an international expert group responsible for monitoring states’ implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The group consists of 15 independent experts with various areas of expertise, such as law, law enforcement, and medicine.
GRETA’s reviews are crucial in strengthening support for victims and ensuring that states fulfill their commitments. You can read more about GRETA’s work and their evaluations of Sweden here.
EU Council Directive 2004/81/EC
This directive outlines member states’ obligations toward third-country nationals who are victims of human trafficking. It establishes rules for granting and renewing residence permits, as well as guidelines on how victims should be treated before and after a permit has been granted. The directive is an important part of the legal framework to protect victims of human trafficking. You can find the updated directive here.
UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons
The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons is the only international mechanism that exclusively focuses on combating human trafficking with a human rights approach. The rapporteur evaluates the global situation, provides recommendations, and promotes international efforts against human trafficking. You can read more about the mandate here.
Sweden’s Ambassador Against Human Trafficking
The role of the Swedish Ambassador Against Human Trafficking is to strengthen Sweden’s leading international efforts against human trafficking. The ambassador serves as an advocate for human rights, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Although this position has been vacant during 2024, it is now in the process of being filled.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
The Swedish National Referral Mechanism provides practical guidance in six steps for professionals who may encounter victims of trafficking. It outlines the rights of victims that must be upheld, the responsibilities of various authorities, and how cooperation can be strengthened in cases of trafficking in persons. You can find the manual and additional important information on the Swedish Gender Equality Agency’s website.
The EU’s Civil Society Platform Against Human Trafficking
The platform, convened by the EU Commission, strengthens the role of civil society in the fight against human trafficking. It promotes cross-border collaboration within the EU and acknowledges the vital contributions of civil society in:
- Advocating for legal reforms and information campaigns
- Providing support to victims and training professionals
- Evaluating anti-trafficking measures
International Reports and Directives
International evaluations and directives form the foundation of global efforts to combat human trafficking. Here are some key documents:
- GRETA’s Third Evaluation of Sweden
- GRETA’s Second Evaluation of Sweden
- GRETAs första granskning av Sverige
- The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s Recommendations for Sweden (Human Trafficking, pages 6-7)
- Report from the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls, its Causes and Consequences – Reem Alsalem