ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY OUR INSTITUTION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL RAPPORTEURSHIP ON TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS MANDATE

 

A. Concept of Human Trafficking and Historical Process

1. Definition of Trafficking in Human Beings

Although the concept of trafficking in human beings had been included in various international documents, a generally accepted definition of trafficking in human beings had not been made in international law until the 2000s. This situation has caused trafficking in human beings cases to be frequently confused with concepts such as illegal immigration and migrant smuggling. The concept of trafficking in human beings is defined comprehensively at the international level for the first time in Article 3 of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations (UN) Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and this definition is also included in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

According to the Palermo Protocol, trafficking in persons means: "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs."

2. Fundamental Norms Related to Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

a. Palermo Protocol

UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its annex, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol), opened for signature on 12 December 2000 in Palermo, Italy is one of the most important instruments established in the fight against trafficking in human beings at the universal level. Türkiye became party to Palermo Protocol on 25 March 2023.

b. Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings opened for signature on 16 May 2005 and entered into force on 1 February 2008. Türkiye signed the Convention on 19 March 2009 and the Turkish Grand National Assembly adaopted it on 30 January 2016.

3. Fundamental National Norms on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

a. Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye

There is no provision in the Constitution that specifically regulates the fight against trafficking in human beings. However, in the context of fundamental rights and freedoms, provisions are included to prevent the emergence of situations that may lead to trafficking in human beings. In this context, at the constitutional level, the rights related to combating trafficking in human beings include the personal inviolability, corporeal and spiritual existence of the individual (Article 17), the prohibition of forced labor (Article 18), the right to personal liberty and security (Article 19), the right to privacy (Article 20), and the principles relating to offences and penalties (Article 38), protection of the family and children’s rights (Article 41), freedom of work and contract (Article 48), the right and duty to work (Article 49), working conditions and the right to rest and leisure (Article 50), and persons requiring special protection in the field of social security (Article 61).

b. Turkish Penal Code

The Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 directly regulates the crime of trafficking in human beings. According to Article 80 of the Law:

"(1) Any person who procures, kidnaps, harbours or transports a person from one place to another or brings a person into the country or takes a person out of the country, by the use of threat, pressure, force or violence, employing deceit, abusing his influence, or obtaining a consent by exploiting control over another or the desperation of such other, for the purpose of forcing them into prostitution or to work, provide a service, harvest their organs or to subject them to slavery or any similar practice shall be sentenced to a penalty of imprisonment for a term of eight to twelve years and to a judicial fine of up to ten thousand days.

(2) Where an act is undertaken for the purposes referred to in paragraph one and such act constitutes an offence, the consent of the victim shall be presumed to be invalid.

(3) Where a person under eighteen years of age is procured, kidnapped, harboured or transported from one place to another for the purposes described in paragraph one, the offender shall be sentenced to a penalty described paragraph one, notwithstanding the fact that no act instrumental to the offence has been resorted to.

(4) Security measures shall be imposed upon legal entities in respect of the aforementioned offences."

c. Law no. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection

Article 48 of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection regulates the principles of residence permits for victims of trafficking in human beings, and Article 49 regulates the extension and revocation of residence permits for victims of trafficking in human beings. According to the Law, victims of trafficking in human beings can be granted a residence permit for up to three years. Article 55 of the Law stipulates that, victims of trafficking in human beings who are benefiting from the victim support process and victims of psychological, physical or sexual violence cannot be deported until their treatment is completed.

d. Regulation on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Protecting Victims

The Regulation on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Protection of Victims, which was prepared based upon Article 121 of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette dated 17 March 2016 and numbered 29656. The purpose and scope of the Regulation is set out in Article 1 as “to determine the procedures and principles regarding the prevention of the crime of trafficking in human beings, combating trafficking in human beings, protection of victims of trafficking in human beings within the scope of human rights without discriminating between Turkish citizens and foreigners, granting residence permits to foreign victims and support services to be provided to victims.” The Regulation covers real persons who have been subjected to trafficking in human beings without distinction between Turkish citizens or foreigners.

 

 

B. Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

The purposes of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings which was signed by the Council of Europe on 16 May 2005 in Warsaw and entered into force in 2008 are; to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings while guaranteeing gender equality, as well as to ensure effective investigation and prosecution, to protect the human rights of the victims of trafficking, to promote international cooperation on action against trafficking in human beings. Convention puts forth obligations to States Parties concerning combating trafficking in human beings under four main titles:

• Prevention,
• Protection,
• Investigation and prosecution,
• Cooperation.

Türkiye signed the Convention on 19 March 2009 and ratified it on 30 January 2016.

 

C. Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)

GRETA was established as the monitoring mechanism according to the Article 36 of Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. GRETA monitors the implementation of the Convention by the Parties.

GRETA consists of at least 10 and at most 15 members. Seat allocation is subject to criteria such as equality between men and women, geographical balance and including experts from different disciplines.

GRETA can organize country visits in coordination with national authorities and contact points appointed by them, and when necessary, with the assistance of independent national experts. Within the framework of the visits, reports including findings and recommendations regarding normative and institutional efforts of States Parties on combating trafficking in human beings are prepared.

Within this framework, GRETA first visited Türkiye in 2018 and this visit's report was published in 2019. Within the scope of the visit, a meeting with our Institution was held.

GRETA is to conduct its second visit to Türkiye between 18-22 September 2023. Within the framework of the visit, representatives of our Institution and GRETA delegation are to hold a meeting on 22 September 2023.

 

D. Main Duty of Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye in the Field of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

1. Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

In the paragraph number (4) of Article 29 of Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, it is provisioned that "Each Party shall consider appointing National Rapporteurs or other mechanisms for monitoring the anti-trafficking activities of State institutions and the implementation of national legislation requirements."

2. Coordination Board on Combating Human Trafficking

As regulated in the Article 5 of the Regulation on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Protection of Victims, in order to carry out works on the prevention of the crime of trafficking in human beings and form policies and strategies to combat this crime, to prepare action plans, to ensure coordination between public institutions and organizations, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, Coordination Commission on Combating Human Trafficking was established pursuant to the Article 117 of Law no. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. With the change done in 2021, the Commission was restructured as Coordination Board on Combating Human Trafficking.

The Board is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and consists of the Presidency of the Supreme Court of Appeals or the representative of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office of the Supreme Court of Appeals, the Ministries of Justice, Family and Social Services, European Union, Labor and Social Security, National Education, Culture and Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Health, Trade and Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, the Directorate General of Turkish Employment Agency, the Directorate of National Intelligence Organization, the Directorate General of Health Services for Borders and Coasts of Türkiye, the Directorate General of Security, the Directorate General of Local Authorities, the General Command of Gendarmerie, the Coast Guard Command, the senior representatives of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and the Directorate of Immigration Management.

Representatives of other relevant ministries, central and provincial departments of public institutions and organizations, as well as academics, experts and non-governmental organizations relevant to the subject may be invited to Board meetings. Representatives of international or intergovernmental organizations may also be invited as observers.

The Board also fulfills the duty of national coordinator for combating trafficking in human beings and its president is the national coordinator. The Board is authorized to establish sub-working groups. The Board may appoint an expert or request the appointment of an academician from authorized institutions and organizations to conduct an annual situation analysis on trafficking in human beings.

3. National Rapporteur on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

As per the decision no. 2020/1.2 taken during the meeting of Commission on Combating Trafficking in Human beings dated 10.12.2020, established according to Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and Article 5 of Regulation Protection of the Victims, HREIT was designated as the National Rapporteur Institution to monitor and report the activities done in the field of combating trafficking in human beings.

Within this scope, Our Institution was authorized to prepare reports to monitor and evaluate efforts of public organizations and institutions on combating trafficking in human beings including the implementation of National Action Plan on Combating trafficking in human beings, to detect the insufficiencies in the relevant legislation, and to make an objective assessment of the making of comprehensive recommendations.

A "Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Working Group" has been established within our Institution to work exclusively in the field of trafficking in human beings.

 

E. Activities Conducted Within the Framework of the National Rapporteurship on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

1. National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking

A Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Working Group was established within our Institution. Within the scope of the preparation of the first “National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking” by the working group, information and documents were requested from public institutions and organizations, representatives of international organizations in Türkiye, and non-governmental organizations. Online and in-person meetings were held with representatives of international organizations in Türkiye. Trafficking in human beings victims shelters in Ankara and Kırıkkale were visited within the scope of preparing the report. The report has been published and turned into a book. (https://www.tihek.gov.tr/kategori/pages/insan-ticaretiyle-mucadele-turkiye-ulusal-raporu)

2. Training Activities Carried Out and Participated to As the National Rapporteur Institution

Type of the Training	Name of the Training	Number of Training Recipients
Trainings Directly Regarding Combating Trafficking in Human Beings	Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Training for the Experts and Assistant Experts of the Institution (2021)	70
	Interview Techniques in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Training (2021)	30
	Migrant Rights and Trafficking in Human Beings Within the Context of Human Rights Training (2022)	30
	Trafficking in Human Beings Training for Provincial and District Human Rights Board Members (2023)	100
	Trainings Held Within the Scope of Human Rights and Equality Campus Project (2023)	28
	Trainings Given Within the Framework of Increasing Border Surveillance Capacity at Türkiye's Eastern, Southern, and South Eastern Borders Project (2023)	20
	Total	278
Human Rights Trainings Relevant to Trafficking in Human Beings	Human Rights Trainings to Removal Center Directors (2021)	70
	Human Rights Training Held at the Directorate of Migrant Management (2021)	30
	Human Rights and Migration Training for the Institution Personnel (2022)	70
	Human Rights Training Programme (2022)	215
	Total	385
Grand Total		663

 

 

 

a. Trainings Directly Regarding Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

i. Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Training for the Experts and Assistant Experts of the Institution (2021)

In order to fulfill the duty of National Rapporteurship, a training programme on combating trafficking in human beings was held for the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye personnel with the contributions of International Organization for Migration (IOM). A total of 70, consisting of experts and assistant experts on human rights and equality, and other institution personnel, participated in the training which was held in two groups between the dates 26-27 January and 28-29 January 2021.

ii. Interview Techniques in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Training (2021)

Within the scope of the Preventing Child, Early and Forced Marriages Project carried out in cooperation with the Directorate of Migration Management and the International Organization for Migration, Interview Techniques for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Training was held in Istanbul for Provincial Migration Experts/Assistant Experts on 24-26 September 2021, and for Psychologists, Sociologists and Social Workers on 27-28 September 2021. On the behalf of Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye vested with the authority of National Rapporteur Institution on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Working Group participated in the programme as well. Within the framework of the training, our Institution gave a presentation on "Sociological Dimension of Immigration in the Context of Human Rights: Otherness, Identity and Citizenship." 30 people participated in the training.

iii.  Migrant Rights and Trafficking in Human Beings Within the Context of Human Rights Training (2022)

On the occasion of 18th December International Migrants Day, Üsküdar University Human Rights Studies Application and Research Center and Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye held an information conference on "Migrant Rights and Trafficking in Human Beings Within the Context of Human Rights" on Zoom. 30 people participated in the training.

iv. Trafficking in Human Beings Training for Provincial and District Human Rights Board Members (2023)

On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an online training on "Trafficking in Human Beings" was given to Provincial Human Rights Board Members on 24 July 2023 within the framework of National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings mandate. 100 board members participated in the training.

v. Trainings Held Within the Scope of Human Rights and Equality Campus Project (2023)

Our Institution has been holding "Human Rights and Equality Law Certification Programme" for university students within the scope of Human Rights and Equality Campus Project since July 2023 and there is a module titled "Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Within the Context of National and International Law" in the aforementioned training programme.

The aforementioned training has been held 3 times, and so far, 28 students have participated. 

vi. Trainings Given Within the Scope of Increasing Border Surveillance Capacity at Türkiye's Eastern, Southern, and South Eastern Borders Project (2023)

Within the scope of "Increasing Border Surveillance Capacity at Türkiye's Eastern, Southern, and South Eastern Borders Project" carried out with the cooperation of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Provincial Administration and United Nations International Organization for Migration, "Training on Fundamental Human Rights in the Field of Border Surveillance" was held in İzmir between 22-24 August 2023. Within the scope of the training, presentations on "Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings in Türkiye" and "Evaluating Pushback Activities Against Refugees and Irregular Migrants from the Human Rights Perspective" were given to law enforcements officials. 20 people participated in the training.

b. Human Rights Trainings Relevant to Trafficking in Human Beings

i. Human Rights Trainings to Removal Center Directors (2021)

Within the scope of "Supporting Directorate General for Migration Management (DGMM) Efforts in Enhancing the Capacity of Removal Centres within the Framework of International Human Rights Standards Phase-II" project which IOM carries out with the cooperation of Directorate of Migration Management, a "Human Rights Training" for Directors of Removal Centers was held in Ankara between 7-9 April 2021.

Assistant Experts on Human Rights and Equality working within the National Preventive Mechanism of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye also took part in the programme.

Within the scope of the programme, a presentation on National Preventive Mechanism and within the scope of this, a presentation on Monitoring Removal Centers were made. 30 people participated in the training.

ii. Human Rights Training Held at the Directorate of Migrant Management (2021)

On 21 April 2021, human rights and national preventive mechanism training was given to Assistant Migration Experts by Experts on Human Rights and Equality within the scope of Educating Assistant Experts Programme. 20 assistant experts participated in the training within the framework of pandemic measures.

Within the scope of the training "Studies and Practices on the Field of Human Rights," place of human rights in ancient civilizations as a concept and its historical development, legal remedy mechanisms, prohibition of discrimination and our Institution's Board Decisions were discussed. Within the scope of the training on "National Preventive Mechanism," information regarding historical development of national preventive mechanism, its principles, its situation in our country, and the visits that our Institution made within this scope was given.

iii. Human Rights and Migration Training for the Institution Personnel (2022)

Council of Europe Programme Office in Ankara held "Human Rights and Migration Training" for the Institution personnel between the dates 23-24 June 2022 and 18-19 August 2022 in Ankara. 70 personnel participated in the training.

Within the scope of the training, presentations on National and International Legal Framework for Immigrants, Prohibition of Torture, Degrading or Inhuman Treatment or Punishment, Non-Refoulement Policy (Pushback), Right to Liberty and Security, Administrative Detention Conditions, Deportation and Administrative Detention in the Implementation of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Protection of Private and Family Life in the Context of Migration were made.

iv. Human Rights Training Programme (2022)

With the cooperation of Maltepe University Centre for Research and Application of Human Rights, human rights training was given to law enforcement officials and removal center staff. On 16-18th May 2022, training programme of law enforcement officials began. Within this scope, a total of 215 personnel, including 109 people from the Provincial Gendarmerie Commands in various provinces of Türkiye, 90 people from the General Directorate of Security, 11 people from the Coast Guard Command, and 5 experts from removal centers, participated in the training programme.

3. Events such as Symposiums, Panels, etc. Conducted or Participated by the Institution in the Field of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

a. HREIT President Prof. Dr. Muharrem Kılıç's Participation to Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Summit (2021)

HREIT President Prof. Dr. Muharrem Kılıç and Board Member Dilek Ertürk participated to the Summit on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings held in Ankara between 29-30 July 2021 within the scope of the Strengthening the Protection of Migrants and Victims of Human Trafficking in Türkiye with Regards to Human Rights Project. Within the framework of the authority of National Rapporteurship, President gave a comprehensive opening speech.

b. Migration in the Context of Citizenship and Human Rights Workshop (2022)

Representatives of HREIT participated in the Migration in the Context of Citizenship and Human Rights Workshop held by the Directorate of Police Academy on 16 June 2022. During the "Trafficking in Human Beings and Migrant Smuggling" session of the workshop, our Institution gave a presentation on "National Rapporteur Institution on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the Context of Human Rights and Migration."

c. Türkiye Summit on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2022)

On 28 July 2022, our Institution held "Türkiye Summit on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings" in Ankara on the occasion of 30 July World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the cooperation of Directorate of Migration Management and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Experts and officials from Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, Directorate of Migration Management, Ministries, General Command of Gendarmerie, Coast Guard Command, Directorate General of Security, Supreme Court of Appeals, Union of Turkish Bar Associations, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and representatives from international organizations and non-governmental organizations were among the participants of the summit.

In the summit to which public institutions and organizations, judges and prosecutors, academicians, practitioners, international organizations and experts from non-governmental organizations working in this field participated, strengthening prevention and prosecution mechanisms in combating trafficking in human beings, promotion of protection of victims' rights and proposals for supporting the partnerships in the field were discussed.

d. Book of the Türkiye Summit on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Our Institution turned "Türkiye Summit on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings" in Ankara on 28 July 2022 with the occasion of 30 July World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the cooperation of Directorate of Migration Management and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees into a book.

e. Regional Closing Conference of European Union/Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Türkiye - Phase II" (2022)

Regional closing conference of European Union/Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Türkiye - Phase II" (2022) was held in Montenegro on 27-28 September 2022. Within the scope of the conference, a presentation was given about the activities carried out within the framework of our Institution's mandate as the National Rapporteur on the combating trafficking in human beings and the work carried out in the field of migration.

f. Strengthening the Human Rights Protection of Migrants and Victims of Human Trafficking in Türkiye European Union - Council of Europe Joint Project Closing Conference (2022)

“Strengthening the Human Rights Protection of Migrants and Victims of Human Trafficking in Türkiye European Union - Council of Europe Joint Project Closing Conference” was held in Ankara on 8 December 2022 within the scope of “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2019-2022” programme.

Representatives of our Institution also participated in the Conference, which was attended by representatives of international organizations, public institutions and organizations, non-governmental organizations and academicians.

Our Institution gave a presentation "Alternative Measures to Administrative Detention in the Context of Human Rights and HREIT's Powers and Mandates" within the scope of the "Panel on Alternatives to Administrative Detention in Combating Irregular Migration" and another presentation on "HREIT's Opinions and Gains as a Project Beneficiary" within the scope of the panel titled "Opinions of Project Beneficiaries - Migration Component & trafficking in human beings Component."

g. 2023 Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Summit

In cooperation with the Directorate of Migration Management and the International Organization for Migration, the Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Summit was held in Ankara on 2 August 2023, within the framework of the 30 July the World Day against Trafficking in Persons events. Public institutions and organizations, international organizations and non-governmental organizations active in the field of combating trafficking in human beings participated to the Summit.
Within the scope of the summit, a presentation was made on the National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking, prepared by our Institution and which is a first in this field. The presentation included information about the findings and recommendations in the National Report, activities carried out by our Institution in the field of combating trafficking in human beings, visits to shelters and cooperation meetings.

h. Trainings Given Within the Framework of Increasing Border Surveillance Capacity at Türkiye's Eastern, Southern, and South Eastern Borders Project (2023)

Within the scope of "Increasing Border Surveillance Capacity at Türkiye's Eastern, Southern, and South Eastern Borders Project" carried out with the cooperation of Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Provincial Administration and United Nations International Organization for Migration, "Training on Fundamental Human Rights in the Field of Border Surveillance" was held in İzmir between 22-24 August 2023. Within the scope of the training, presentations on "Fight Against Trafficking in Human Beings in Türkiye" and "Evaluating Pushback Activities Against Refugees and Irregular Migrants from the Human Rights Perspective" were given to law enforcements officials. 20 people participated in the training.

4. Meetings with Stakeholders

a. Technical Meeting with Directorate General of Migration Management (2021)

On 22 August 2021, a meeting on the technical level was held between the delegation of Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, which is the National Rapporteur Institution on combating trafficking in human beings, and Directorate General of Migration Management delegation. During the meetings, issues regarding National Independent Institution Report on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings to be prepared periodically by our Institution were discussed.

b. Directorate General of Migration Management's Visit to Our Institution (2021)

The delegation led by the Head of Directorate General of Migration Management Department of Human Trafficking Victims Protection Osman Koramaz visited President Prof. Dr. Muharrem Kılıç. Matters of cooperation regarding combating trafficking in human beings were discussed during the visit.

c. Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings Round Table Meeting

On 7 October 2021, we participated in the round table meeting held by Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) with representatives of public institutions, NGOs and international organizations.

d. Meeting with the Representatives of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (2021)

On 24 November 2021, Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Working Group held a meeting with the representatives of International Centre for Migration Policy Development within the framework of the preparations for the first National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking, conducted within the scope of the mandates and powers of the national rapporteur institution on combating trafficking in human beings.

e. Meeting with the Representatives of United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2021)

On 3 December 2021, within the framework of the preparations for the first National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking, conducted within the scope of the mandates and powers of the national rapporteur institution on combating trafficking in human beings, Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Working Group held a meeting with the representatives of United Nations International Organization for Migration.

f. Meeting with the Coordination Board on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2021)

The Coordination Board on Combating Human Trafficking, which was established in place of the The Coordination Commission on Combating Human Trafficking by the Presidential Decree No. 85 dated 29 October 29 2021, held its annual meeting on 10.12.2021, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. İsmail ÇATAKLI, with the participation of relevant institutions and organizations. Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye vested with the authority of National Rapporteur Institution on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings participated to the Board meeting. The Board was informed about the activities carried out by our Institution within the framework of the mandate and powers of the National Rapporteur Institution and the first National Report of Türkiye on Combating Human Trafficking,  that was being prepared.

g. CARE International Türkiye Representation's Visit to Our Institution (2022)

On 27 July 2022, CARE Türkiye Country Director Sherine Ibrahim and Director of External Affairs and Public Relations Esat Akgül visited our Institution.

During the meeting, possible cooperation opportunities between our Institution and CARE International were discussed.

h. Meeting with the U.S. Embassy (2023)

A meeting between our Institution's delegation and the delegation of the U.S. Embassy was held on 7 February 2023. During the meeting, Türkiye's fight against trafficking in human beings, the activities carried out by our Institution within the framework of its mandate and power as the national rapporteur on the combating trafficking in human beings, the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report published every year, and cooperation issues regarding the fight against trafficking in human beings were discussed.

ı. Council of Europe National Coordinator and Rapporteurs on Combating Trafficking in Human Rights Meeting

Our Institution, vested with the mandate and power of National Rapporteur Institution on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, participated online to the Council of Europe National Coordinator and Rapporteurs on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Meeting held online in Council of Europe headquarters on 6-7 June 2023.

i. Meeting with United Nations International Organization for Migration (2023)

On 12 July 2023, our Institution and representatives of United Nations International Organization for Migration held a meeting in our Institution. Within the scope of the meeting, institutional and normative works carried out regarding the fight against trafficking in human beings in our country and the activities carried out by our Institution within the framework of its mandate as the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings were addressed and areas where cooperation is possible were discussed.

 

5. Visits in the Field of Combating Human Trafficking and Migration

1. On 23 June 2020, Kırıkkale Governor's Office, Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, Human Trafficking Victims Women's Shelter, Removal Center were visited.
2. On 30 January 2021, Human trafficking victims shelters in Ankara and Kırıkkale were visited.
3. On 25 August 2022, a joint visit to Aydın Removal Center was made with the delegation formed within the Council of Europe within the framework of "Strengthening the Human Rights Protection of Migrants and Victims of Human Trafficking in Türkiye Project."
4. On 28 July 2023, the delegation of our Institution visited Ankara Shelter on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

6. Press Releases Prepared by Our Institution Regarding Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

1. Press Release on 2020 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
2. Press Release on 2021 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
3. Press Release on 2022 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
4. Press Release on 2022 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
5. Press Release on 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

7. Events and other activities in which HREIT has participated in the fields of combating human trafficking and migration

1. Participation to "Strengthening the Protection of Migrants and Victims of Human Trafficking in Türkiye with Regards to Human Rights Project," 3rd Steering Committee meeting.
2. Participation to second meeting of Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye II's secondary beneficiary executive board.
3. Participation to the opening conferences of "Supporting Directorate of Migration Management on the Issues of Management, Admission and Sheltering Irregular Migrants" and "Supporting the Capacities of Removal Centers and Developing Alternative Measures to Administrative Detention" projects.
4. Participation to the 2020 and 2021 meetings of Combating Human Trafficking Coordination Board.
5. Participation to the closing meeting of Türkiye-EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Internal Affairs Sub-Sector 2013 programme.
6. Participation to the 1st Executive Committee Meeting of “Strengthening the Human Rights Protection in the Context of Migration in Türkiye” implemented within the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye." 
7. Participation to Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Action Plan Preparation Workshops conducted on 20-21 June and 2 August 2023 within the scope of "EU Support Project to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings in Türkiye."