Commentary on the European Commission Proposal for a Council Directive

In February 2002, the European Commission unveiled its Proposal for a Council Directive “on the short-term residence permit issued to victims of action to facilitate illegal immigration or trafficking in human beings who cooperate with the competent authorities.” While some provisions are to be welcomed, the proposed directive is deficient in that it addresses the problem of human trafficking solely as an element of efforts to combat illegal immigration, with an emphasis on law enforcement measures, but fails to recognize the need to ensure victim protection for all trafficking victims.