Expert meeting develops recommendations for reform of Montenegro's anti-trafficking legislation

PODGORICA, 25 June 2003 - International and national legal experts met in Podgorica, Serbia and Montenegro, this week to develop recommendations for the reform of anti-trafficking provisions in Montenegro's criminal law. The two-day meeting was organized by the OSCE Office in Podgorica, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe.

The experts discussed the draft Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code prepared by the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro and adopted a set of proposals on how to ensure compliance of Montenegro's legislation with international standards on trafficking in human beings. Among the issues discussed was the definition of trafficking as a criminal offence, the protection of witnesses and victims, and possibilities for the confiscation of assets of perpetrators.

The expert recommendations will be used by the Ministry of Justice as a basis for finalizing the draft legislation.

The ODIHR, together with OSCE field presences, assists the OSCE countries in south-eastern Europe in their fight against trafficking in human beings, including by providing expert advice on legal reform.