SECURITY : EU CREATES PLATFORM TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

• Position: Brief article

By launching a civil society platform against trafficking in human beings, on 31 May, the European Commission has reiterated its criticism of member states that are delaying implementation of EU legislation that aims to provide better protection for victims.

This platform brings together more than 100 European civil society organisations in the field of human rights, children's rights, women's rights and gender equality, migrants' rights and shelters. "They can meet in Brussels, share their experiences and give their political opinions to leaders," explained Commissioner Cecilia Malmström (home affairs).

The situation has nonetheless improved somewhat: nine member states (the Czech Republic, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Finland) - compared with six in April - have now transposed the 2011 directive on human trafficking, while Bulgaria, Belgium, Slovenia and the United Kingdom have partially transposed it. A delay of two...