The Government’s Draft Law on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking was approved by final vote in the parliamentary session, on October 24th. The new law provides for measures to prevent and combat human trafficking and also lays down measures with regard to protection and assistance to the victims.
The new diploma takes into account the international obligations assumed by the Timorese State in this regard, particularly the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its two additional Protocols: Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Human Trafficking, especially Women and Children.
The Government has now 180 days, from its entry into force, to approve the necessary rules for the implementation of the law, namely, for the creation of the Committee to Combat Human Anti-Trafficking.
This committee coordinates, at the national level, the actions of the various bodies responsible for preventing and combating human trafficking . It promotes and also ensures cooperation with foreign entities in combating human trafficking and monitors the enforcement of the provisions of the international conventions that Timor-Leste has ratified or will subsequently ratify on this matter.
The Committee to Combat Human Trafficking is also the entity in charge of preparing and co-ordinating the Human Anti-Trafficking National Plan, and is responsible for promoting and monitoring the implementation of the measures provided for therein.
The approval of this legal instrument is another important step for the country in the light of the respect of human rights. Next November, Timor-Leste will be submitted to a new Universal Periodic Review, at the United Nations Human Rights Council.