News
| Hotline for Foreign Workers | October 24, 2006 |
Passage of Comprehensive Anti-Trafficking Legislation
A new comprehensive anti-trafficking law passed a final vote in the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday the 17th of October. Approved by a majority of MP's, it both expands the definition of trafficking and contains important protections for victims. The law compliments and enhances pre-existing legislation outlawing trafficking in women for the purpose of sex- its main strength being that it includes all forms of trafficking such as trafficking for labor, trafficking in organs and child trafficking. Some other highlights: - It establishes punishments similar to those for serious crimes such as rape, including prison terms of 16 – 20 years for traffickers.
- It establishes a fund consisting of fines given by the court to traffickers and profits from property which is confiscated from them. Half of this money will be earmarked for rehabilitation while the other half is intended for prevention and prosecution.
- It recognizes that legal redress is a basic right for trafficked persons. In cases where the court has ordered compensation for trafficked persons, however traffickers fail to pay these fines, victims can claim money from the above fund.
- Trafficked persons will be entitled state provision of legal representation provided in civil cases.
The law was initiated by MK Zehava Galon and the Israeli Ministry of Justice in 2003. However, the main push for its passage came following a downgraded rating in the 2006 US State Department Trafficking in Persons report. The report primarily criticized Israel for inaction regarding trafficking for labor.
 Prohibition of Trafficking i n Persons (Legislative Amendments) Law, 5766 – 2006
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