Role of Consular Service of Latvia in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Consular Department Consular Assistance Division

MFA competence within the National Strategy for the Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia provide consular assistance and inform about the possibilities to receive professional help to THB victims MFA carries out regular trainings for Latvian consular officials and participates in trainings and seminars, organised by other institutions MFA organises and also participates in informative campaigns on various aspects of travelling and living abroad – about safe travel, actions required in emergency situations as well as educating people about THB issues 2 Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Role of Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia in providing assistance to victims in THB (1) Acknowledge the potential THB victims Consult on the possibilities to receive assistance in: – returning home – social rehabilitation – medical treatment Contact with relevant authorities – police THB units – NGOs in Latvia and the country of residence 3 Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Provide emotional help to the person Help to contact relatives in Latvia If necessary: Assist in finding accommodation Provide food and drinks Escort to the airport/port/station Consular Department, MFA of Latvia Role of Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia in providing assistance to victims in THB (2)

Statistical data on THB cases filed in Latvian diplomatic missions abroad Total Ireland Great Britain Germany5522 Cyprus-35- Greece-1-- The Netherlands32-3 USA-2-- Russian-2-- Belgium-1-- Austria--1- Italy11-- Sweden1--- Norway---1 France---2 Japan Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Statistical data on marriages in Ireland (possible sham marriages) Statistical period Total357* Out of total number of marriages with third country nationals : Pakistan India Bangladesh Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Situation in Ireland with sham marriages Decrease in the numbers of the marriages of Latvian nationals with a risk of THB Irish Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014 in force since 4 December 2014 Three other legislation acts preventing from sham marriages still to be adopted Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

MFA cooperation with other institutions on THB issues Collects and analyses the data on the THB cases in the Latvian diplomatic and consular missions Informs the relevant institutions (THB working group, NGOs, law enforcement unit) Cooperates with police THB unit and NGOs Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Consular Trainings MFA organises regular consular trainings for consular officials: - spring trainings in Riga - autumn regional trainings (in two capitals in and outside Schengen MS) Consular officials participate in trainings organised on THB issues Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Access for consular assistance a toll free information line for travellers – 24/7 emergency help line 10 Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Information campaigns Mobile application Travel Safe! Participation in the annual International Travel Trade Fair Balttour 11 Consular Department, MFA of Latvia

Thank you for your attention Consular Assistance Division MFA Consular Department 57 Elizabetes Street, Riga Phone