Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Russian Federation (Ratification: 1956)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Russian Federation (Ratification: 2019)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Legal framework and law enforcement. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that relevant provisions of the Penal Code criminalize both trafficking in persons (section 127.1) and the use of forced labour (section 127.2). The Government indicated the strengthening of cooperation between the member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) regarding action against human trafficking through the Programme of Cooperation for 2014–2018. However, in 2015, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) expressed its concern regarding the absence of a coordinating body and the lack of coordination among the relevant state structures to combat trafficking in persons.

The Committee notes the Government’s information in its report that, in 2018, 32 offences were registered and resolved under section 127.1 of the Criminal Code, of which 33 perpetrators were identified; while under section 127.2 of the Criminal Code, two offences were registered, of which one was resolved and four perpetrators were identified. The Committee also notes the statistical information provided by the Government on crimes related to sexual exploitation, including under section 240 (recruitment into prostitution), section 241 (organizing prostitution) and section 242 (illegal production and circulation of pornographic materials or items). The Government emphasizes the effectiveness of the investigation measures taken to verify information on organized groups engaged in trafficking over the internet. Moreover, the Government indicates that special attention is paid to expanding international cooperation in this regard, including through the expansion of the CIS Programme of Cooperation for the period 2019–2023 and the conclusion of bilateral agreements with a number of countries in this regard. While noting the measures taken by the Government, the Committee requests it to take the necessary measures to ensure effective coordination among the relevant national structures to combat trafficking in persons, and to provide information on specific measures taken in this regard. It also requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on the application of sections 127.1 and 127.2 of the Criminal Code in practice.

2. Protection and reintegration of victims. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the protection of victims included two aspects: general protection of victims and specific protection of victims who cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The Committee also noted the adoption of Federal Act No 119-FZ of 20 August 2004 of the State on Protection of Victims, Witnesses and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings. However, the Committee also noted that CEDAW expressed concern at the lack of information on support and rehabilitation programmes for victims of trafficking.

The Committee notes the Government’s information that a network is being established of social services institutions. The Committee once again requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to provide victims of trafficking with appropriate protection and assistance, such as shelters, crisis centres and reintegration programmes. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress made regarding the establishment of the social services institutions network, and the types of services available to victims of trafficking. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide statistical data on the number of victims identified and provided with appropriate protection and assistance.