U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Italy

Italy (Tier 1)

Italy is a destination country and, to a lesser extent, a transit route for trafficked women from Albania, Eastern Europe, the New Independent States, China, Nigeria, and South America.

The Government of Italy meets the minimum standards for combating trafficking in persons. There is no specific law that prohibits trafficking; however, law enforcement authorities use penal codes that prohibit exploitation of prostitution (with a penalty of up to 6 years and significant fines), slavery, and assisting the entry of an illegal alien. The Government prosecuted 500 persons in 1998-99 for crimes connected with trafficking and convicted more than 100 defendants; many cases were continuing at the time of this report. The Government provides specialized training to sensitize police to trafficking and distinguish between trafficking and smuggling. The Government has sponsored NGO anti-trafficking campaigns such as hotlines, posters, and television advertisements. The Government works closely with NGO's and sponsors anti-trafficking training in the source countries of Albania and Nigeria. The Government Inter-Ministerial Committee on Trafficking has coordinated conferences sponsored by the Ministries of Interior and Justice to combat trafficking. In February 2000, the Department of Equal Opportunity announced funding for 49 national projects designed to assist victims. The Government provides temporary residence to victims, has safe houses and shelters, and sponsors mobile units to provide medical and psychological services to victims. The Government also cooperates in international efforts against trafficking.