The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recently published a model law on trafficking in persons for use by Member States of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in implementing the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. The model law is designed to help Member States review current domestic legislation and pass new laws that comply with the standards of the Convention. 

The model law is a comprehensive tool for use in drafting legislation on trafficking in persons. The model includes sections on definitions, criminal provisions, victim protection and assistance, and cooperation between government agencies. The model also provides extensive commentary on each section. The commentary generally includes alternative language and optional provisions, examples of laws from various countries, and clarification on international standards to combat trafficking in persons.

The model law highlights the need to criminalize trafficking of persons and establish sentences in line with the seriousness of the crime. However, the model is a generic law that may be tailored to the specific needs of each State. For this reason, specific sentencing guidelines are not included in the model law.  Other goals include coordination between States and government agencies as they respond to trafficking in persons and the development of protections and services for victims of trafficking.

To access the model law, please click here. (PDF, 75 pages).

To access the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, please click here. (PDF, 12 pages).

Compiled from: “UNODC launches Model Law against Trafficking in Persons,” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (30 June 2009); “Model Law to Help States Fight Modern Slavery,” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (06 July 2009); “Model Law against Trafficking in Persons,” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (30 June 2009). (PDF, 75 pages).