7)
“Repatriation” means return to the country of origin of the person subjected to trafficking across
international frontiers.
A R T I C L E II
SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION
The purpose of this Convention is to promote cooperation amongst Member States so that they may
effectively deal with the various aspects of prevention, interdiction and suppression of trafficking in women and
children; the repatriation and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and prevent the use of women and children
in international prostitution networks, particularly where the countries of the SAARC region are the countries of
origin, transit and destination.
A R T I C L E III
OFFENCES
1.
The State Parties to the Convention shall take effective measures to ensure that trafficking in any form
is an offence under their respective criminal law and shall make such an offence punishable by appropriate
penalties which take into account its grave nature.
2.
The State Parties to the Convention, in their respective territories, shall provide for punishment of any
person who keeps, maintains or manages or knowingly finances or takes part in the financing of a place used for
the purpose of trafficking and knowingly lets or rents a building or other place or any part thereof for the
purpose of trafficking.
3.
Any attempt or abetment to commit any crime mentioned in paras 1 and 2 above or their financing
shall also be punishable.
A R T I C L E IV
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
1.
The State Parties to the Convention shall ensure that their courts having jurisdiction over the offences
committed under this Convention, can take into account factual circumstances which make the commission of
such offences particularly grave, viz.
a)
the involvement in the offences of an organised criminal group to which the offender belongs;
b)
the involvement of the offender in other international organised criminal activities;
c)
the use of violence or arms by the offender;
d)
the fact that the offender holds a public office and that the offence is committed in misuse of that
office;
e)
the victimisation or trafficking of children;
f)
the fact that the offence is committed in a custodial institution or in an educational institution or
social facility or in their immediate vicinity or in other places to which children and students visit for
educational, sports, social and cultural activities;
g)
previous conviction, particularly for similar offences, whether in a Member State or any other country.
ARTICLE V
JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS
In trying offences under this Convention, judicial authorities in Member States shall ensure that the
confidentiality of the child and women victims is maintained and that they are provided appropriate counselling
and legal assistance.
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