Building the European Mechanism for Combating Human Trafficking - A System Approach

Abstract

The paper deals with combating human trafficking in the European area, while respecting the dialectical unity of theory and practice, applying the principles and logic of a system approach. The European mechanism for combating human trafficking, as a regional instrument, was created out of a need to combat human trafficking in an organized and multidisciplinary manner, which has become a serious problem in Europe. Building an effective, comprehensive and multidisciplinary mechanism is based on the greater application of the scientific approach, the harmonization of legal systems and concerted action of states, thereby achieving a synergistic effect. The European mechanism is seen as a complex, open, dynamic and stochastic organizational system, incorporating all European countries (except Russia) as components. Its functioning has achieved a more balanced approach of European countries to the problem and a more coherent operation of national mechanisms. The poly-centricity of the system originated as a consequence of the simultaneous action of the three governing units (the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the OSCE) on national mechanisms, and their lack of coordination complicates the position of the national mechanisms.