Le Nazioni Unite e la lotta contro la tratta di esseri umani: strumenti, risultati e sfide

This article surveys the evolving efforts of the UN to combat human trafficking from its inception to today. Firstly, it reviews the treaties addressing such deplorable phenomenon which were concluded within the framework of the UN and it focuses on the 2000 Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, supplementing the UN Convention against transnational organized crime. Merits and limits of such Protocol are carefully scrutinized. Secondly, the article highlights the crucial role of the UNODC in assisting States in the implementation of the said Protocol as well as the limited mandate of the Working Group on trafficking in persons. It also critically analyzes the Mechanism for the review of the implementation of the aforementioned Convention and the Protocols thereto, which was established only in 2018. Thirdly, the article emphasizes the efforts of the Human Rights Council and the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons to affirm the centrality of the victims’ protection in defining and implementing measures against human trafficking. Finally, it thoroughly examines the action of the General Assembly and the Security Council to combat trafficking in persons.