GENEVA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Profound changes are needed in States' approaches to migration and trafficking, especially for women and children, a UN expert on trafficking said Monday.
The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking persons, especially women and children, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, issued a statement to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.
She said that restrictive and xenophobic migration policies and the criminalization of migrants hinder effective action against human trafficking.
Changes also need to come from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals providing humanitarian aid, she said.
"It is critically important that States invest in long-term solutions to ensure social inclusion for survivors of human trafficking," said Giammarinaro.
Robust procedures are needed by countries to allow victims to access to justice and remedies, including compensation.
"Politicians fuelling hatred, building walls, condoning the detention of children and preventing vulnerable migrants from entering their territories are working against the interests of their own countries," she said.
The UN expert said that safe, orderly, and regular migration, which includes making provision for the social integration of migrants, is needed.
Such practice is crucial also for victims of trafficking, including women suffering discrimination, gender-based violence and exploitation, and children subjected to abuse during their journey, especially when traveling alone.
She said that restrictive migration policies produce irregularity and vulnerabilities and foster exploitation and trafficking.
"Therefore, social inclusion is the only and right answer," said Giammarinaro.
