At the outset, let me convey my satisfaction with the Memorandum of Cooperation that we have just signed with the dear Minister of Justice, through which we seek to further improve the cooperation that has been established between the two Ministries for the protection and handling of identified victims of trafficking in persons.
Trafficking in persons is a transnational organised crime, which takes various forms, making it extremely difficult to combat. It calls for measures to be taken by States at national level and the promotion of synergies through transnational networks to reduce the problem.
At the Ministry of Social Welfare we aim to address the serious issue of trafficking in persons in a holistic manner, through a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach, in order to enable the development of a set of policies and actions to combat trafficking and exploitation of persons.
In order to safeguard and respect the rights of victims of trafficking in persons, the Ministry of Social Welfare is committed to the development of a set of policies and actions to combat trafficking and exploitation of persons. For 2021, Social Welfare Services were called and assisted in 84 cases, implementing personalised assistance and support measures for victims.
Furthermore, special emphasis is placed on the issues of social rehabilitation and activation of victims of trafficking and for this purpose, the implementation of a co-funded project is planned, with the recruitment of staff (2 LHAs), for Social Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Victims of Trafficking in the Community, under the 2021-2027 programming period of the Asylum, Immigration and Integration Fund. The aim of the project is to provide assistance, support and appropriate incentives to victims residing in the State Shelter for their rehabilitation in the community.
Friends,
The Memorandum of Understanding we signed today will undoubtedly strengthen the cooperation between the Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of State and the Cyprus Police for a proper and holistic response to the problem. Through coordinated actions and the establishment of procedures, we focus on providing the necessary support to victims of trafficking and exploitation, giving them access to information, psychological support and financial assistance, medical care, housing, employment and social reintegration services.
In conclusion, the Memorandum of Cooperation adopted at national level is a decisive step towards the provision of personalised and person-centred services to victims and sends the message that we stand by
