Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000

The basic purpose of the Protocol is to prevent and combat trafficking, to protect and assist victims and to promote international cooperation. The protection of, and assistance to, victims is specified as a core purpose of the Protocol. The Protocol requires that particular attention be paid to combat and prevent trafficking in women and children, while maintaining the basic principle that all forms of trafficking should be covered by the Protocol. A definition of the term "trafficking in persons" is provided in the Protocol, as well as a number of mandatory requirements relating to protection of and assistance to trafficked persons that State Parties are obliged to fulfil. The savings clause in Article 14 ensures that the Protocol does not affect the rights, obligations and responsibilities of States and individuals under international law, including international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.