2020 Theses Master's

Comparison of immigration laws and remedies for victims of human trafficking in Poland and Italy

Kacprzak, Oliwia

For decades, Europe has been affected by sex and labour trafficking. Still, the international community has not implemented adequate and sufficient laws and policies that would decrease the number of victims and finally combat human trafficking. There are large areas of impunity where the justice system does not work correctly in relation to human trafficking, and where exploiters operate with a high degree of impunity, which increases their chances of successful trafficking. This research provides an analysis of immigration laws, remedies, and procedures for human trafficking victims adopted by Poland and Italy. Even though there is an enormous diversity in trafficking trends across Europe based on historical, cultural, and geographical differences of each country, the immigrant victims of human trafficking in each region struggle with similar rights violations. Long-lasting negative attitudes towards migrants and the incompetence of law enforcement officials in conducting investigations contribute to impunity and violations of migrants’ human rights.