Detention of migrants in an irregular situation 2012, para. 42

Paragraph
Paragraph text
Victims of trafficking may violate immigration laws and regulations, inter alia relating to irregular entry or use of false documents. However, the Special Rapporteur would like to stress that victims of trafficking should be recognized as victims, and should not be held responsible for the acts of their traffickers. The fear of being detained, often seen as a prelude to being returned to their country of origin and finding themselves again at the mercy of their traffickers, may prevent victims of trafficking from seeking protection, assistance and justice. The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, urges States to consider adopting legislative or other appropriate measures that permit victims of trafficking in persons to remain in its territory, temporarily or permanently, in appropriate cases (art. 7, para. 1). The Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking request States to ensure that trafficked persons are not, in any circumstances, held in immigration detention or other forms of custody; and that they are not detained, charged or prosecuted for the illegality of their entry or residence or for their involvement in unlawful activities which are a direct consequence of their situation as trafficked persons. The Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, has also stated that trafficked persons should not be detained, charged or prosecuted for the illegality of their entry into or residence in countries of transit and destination (see A/64/290).
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Movement
  • Violence
Person(s) affected
  • Children
  • Women
Year
2012
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
42