Regional and subregional cooperation in promoting a human rights-based approach to combatting trafficking in persons 2010, para. 36
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Other regional bodies have adopted declarations as their reference legal instruments, which can also be an effective solution when followed by a specific plan of action, as has been the case for ASEAN and ECOWAS. Other regional mechanisms have gone as far as adopting conventions, legally binding instruments which not only confer rights and duties on Governments, but also entitle individuals within their jurisdiction to claim the rights contained therein before the courts. A notable example is the CoE Convention, which is an excellent example of using a rights-based approach to combating trafficking in persons. While it also aims at preventing trafficking and prosecuting traffickers, it is the only regional international treaty in this area that primarily focuses on the rights of the victims. Importantly, the Convention is open to ratification by States which are not members of the CoE.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children