a) States

States are major actors in the fight against human trafficking. As a phenomenon present on all territories, sometimes international and cross-border, trafficking must be the object of particular attention and be fought by all States individually and collectively.

States have many tools to combat human trafficking, including the development of standards and/or action plans and the implementation of concrete anti-trafficking measures.

States can act through various public officials: law enforcement, judicial personnel, social workers, medical and health personnel and teachers. These different professionals, who may be in contact with victims of trafficking, each have a role to play in the fight against this crime:

• Law enforcement and judicial personnel: identification of trafficking cases and victims, respect for the principle of non-punishment, protection and rehabilitation of victims, prosecution of perpetrators, etc.

• Social workers and medical and health personnel: identification and accompaniment of potential victims of trafficking, medical and psychological assistance in dealing with the traumas suffered as a result of trafficking, etc.

• Teachers: awareness, training and prevention of human trafficking, identification of potential victims, etc.

Beyond the implementation of national measures, it is essential that States provide a collective and coordinated response. Moreover, they must intensify their collaboration to reinforce the positive effects of the efforts undertaken to fight this scourge. For example, by sharing best practices and know-how, assistance, criminal cooperation, exchange of information, etc.