The violation by Ukraine of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

Reply to Written question | Doc. 15220 | 09 February 2021

Author(s):

Committee of Ministers

Origin

Adopted at the 1394th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (3 February 2021). 2021 - Second part-session

Reply to Written question

: Written question no. 753 (Doc. 15141)

1. The Committee of Ministers has examined the question submitted by the Honourable Parliamentarian and is aware that the question of surrogacy and related issues is a complex and sensitive one at national, European and international level.

2. In reply, the Committee of Ministers would underline that surrogacy does not appear among the forms of exploitation explicitly mentioned in the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, the monitoring of which is ensured by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA).

3. The Committee of Ministers recalls Ukraine’s long-term co-operation and constructive dialogue with GRETA on the implementation of the Convention. It also notes Ukraine’s determination to continue to improve legislation, policy and implementation measures in line with the challenges in this area and that GRETA has asked Ukraine to conduct and support further research on different aspects of trafficking in human beings, inter alia on the possible links between trafficking and surrogacy.

4. From a general point of view, it should be stressed that action against trafficking concerns equally countries of origin, transit and destination. Efforts should therefore be made at interregional level through enhancing international co‑operation, in full respect for member States’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, and implementation of best practices.