Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-05-18-Speech-4-060"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2000-05-18"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Trafficking in women2
dcterms:Language	"nl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20000518.3.4-060"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2000-05-18-Speech-4-0612
lpv:speaker	lp:Lousewies van der Laan2
lpv:spokenAs	substitute; Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 substitute; Delegation to the EU-Slovak Republic Joint Parliamentary Committee (1999-09-29--2002-01-14)3 member_of_the_bureau; ELDR (1999-09-13--2003-01-29)3 vice-chair; CONT (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 unknown; Democraten 66 (1999-07-20--2003-01-29)3 member; Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 member; Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council (1999-09-29--2002-01-14)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, I would like to start by congratulating Mrs Sörensen. Not only is she proficient, she is also extremely committed to the subject matter. The fact that she managed to put this important topic on the European agenda is a huge achievement. Trafficking in women has been overlooked for too long, and politicians underestimate its importance. A good illustration of this is that it is now three years since the Justice Ministers declared that it was important to appoint national rapporteurs to monitor trafficking in women. This actually happened in the Netherlands, not least thanks to the efforts of Secretary of State Verstand. Unfortunately, many Member States still do not have national rapporteurs and they really should remedy this as soon as possible. At the same time, legislation as well as cooperation are inadequate. This report offers many ideas and specific proposals and therefore has the backing of the Liberal Group. There are, however, two points which may seem commendable, but to which we are unfortunately unable to subscribe. The first concerns automatic refugee status for victims of trafficking in women. In our opinion, this is a bridge too far, because this would require the entire Geneva Convention to be overturned. We do find it important, however, that it should be possible to grant residence permits on humanitarian grounds. We will therefore continue to support this proposal. Our second objection concerns the reversal of the burden of proof. What is required here is tantamount to surrendering an important and fundamental part of legal protection, namely the fact that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. This principle is important in a constitutional state. The concept is taken from administrative law and mainly pertains to discrimination at the workplace. To incorporate this principle into criminal law would be a huge step. Liberals attach great importance to legal protection and we are not prepared to take that step now. Finally, the discussion on trafficking in women and people is important and a matter of urgency. This is why it would be wrong to weigh down this discussion with moral judgements on prostitution, as certain people here are attempting to do. If we do this, it will make the discussion infinitely more complex and will get in the way of effective measures against the trafficking in women. This should not happen. The problem is urgent and effective measures are required. Not just words, but deeds are what are needed now."@en1

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