Third-Country National Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings: Detection, Identification and Protection

Abstract

The current study aims to explore the Estonian national practices of detection, identification and protection of third-country national victims of trafficking in human beings. In this respect, without adopting the same scope, it updates the 2013 EMN study “Identification of victims of trafficking in human beings in international protection and forced return procedures” and covers: 1. Overview of national situation in Estonia in relation to trafficking in human beings, in particular focusing on the national, latest available data, trends, patterns and trafficking purposes (Introduction). 2. Estonian national policy and legislative developments and measures to detect (presumed) third-country national victims of trafficking in human beings, including information on competent authorities, existing reporting mechanisms, possibilities to appeal decisions. (Section 1). 3. Estonian national policy and legislative developments and measures to identify (presumed) third-country national victims of trafficking in human beings, including referral mechanisms (if existent) among national authorities and other relevant stakeholders (Section 2) 4. Estonian national policy and legislative developments and measures to protect (presumed) third-country national victims of trafficking in human beings, including the legal framework for granting the reflection period, residence permits and the provision of appropriate information and assistance (Section 3). 5. Cooperation mechanisms with other Member States, EU agencies (EASO, Europol, Frontex), international organisations and third countries of origin and of transit (Section 4). 6. Challenges and good practices in Member States, such as those concerning vulnerable persons, (presumed) cases falling under the scope of the Dublin III Regulation and the impact of COVID-19 (Section 5).