The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have issued a joint document that has developed standard operating procedures to facilitate the protection of trafficked persons. The Framework Document is an amended and supplemented version of the document published in December 2009. The Framework Document is intended as a guidelines and handbook for individuals, local institutions and organizations working with the IOM and UNHCR in the context of providing assistance to vulnerable people.
The overall purpose of the Framework Document is to strengthen cooperation between IOM and UNHCR – in detecting, referring, protecting and assisting victims of trafficking. The specific purpose of this appointment is to strengthen the development of standard operating procedures between IOM and UNHCR in the field.
The Framework Document contains the goals, definitions, IOM and UNHCR roles, the principle of cooperation, the principle of protection and assistance, as well as the obligation of states to protect victims and people at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. The document focuses on three areas: detecting victims of trafficking, providing protection and services, and finding solutions. It contains seven principles of cooperation and 12 principles of protection and assistance to victims of human trafficking. Work by the Framework Document is envisaged in two steps: initial screening and confirmation of a detailed interview.
The document recognizes that victims of trafficking may need specialized or additional support in the following cases: accommodation; water, sanitation, hygiene; food; personal security; health and well-being; education and training; livelihoods, employment and personal income; to take the search for missing family members and family reunification; access to justice, including adequate remedies.
In the areas of offered solutions, the Framework Document says about: voluntary repatriation and reintegration of victims of trafficking who have applied for asylum or they are refugees; assisted voluntary return of these people; local integration of victims of trafficking under the UNHCR mandate and those not under its mandate; relocation to a third country. The Framework Document also offers complementary forms of protection and solutions, as well as solutions for stateless persons.
At the end of the document, it is contained in the annexes, lists of selected references, where are international agreements, regional instruments, decisions, recommendations and other important sources in the field of human trafficking. These references are of great practical importance because they facilitate the application of the Framework Document and ensure that the victim of trafficking is show to act without omission and with as little difficulty as possible.
The importance of the Framework Document is reflected in the fact that it serves for the early detection of victims of trafficking and their adequate care. State officials, officials of the international organization and his executive partners in the field, as well as others who come into contact with victims will use this document in practice, and this improved version of the document should be the best tool for all working with those vulnerable population. In the time when millions of people have putted in risks of becoming victims of human trafficking, in the time of changed environment and coronavirus pandemics this Framework Document can serve as a useful tool in the resolving these problems.
The Document can be downloaded here.