Slovakia's Human Trafficking Violations Exposed by ECtHR
- The European Court of Human Rights found that Slovakia did not effectively investigate a case of human trafficking involving a complainant who had been identified as a victim in the UK.
- The investigation, initiated in 2012, was criticized for its length and lack of diligence, ultimately concluding in 2021.
- The ECHR ruled that Slovakia violated the complainant’s rights and awarded her compensation for non-material damage and legal costs.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Slovakia violated the rights of a complainant who was a victim of human trafficking. The complainant was identified in the United Kingdom and had detailed her experiences of trafficking, which should have alerted Slovak authorities to conduct a more thorough investigation. However, the ECHR found that the investigation was ineffective and insufficient in addressing all relevant aspects of the case. The court criticized the Slovak authorities for not adequately recognizing the complainant's vulnerability, given her low age and traumatic background, which included growing up in state care. Instead of addressing her status as a human trafficking victim, the investigation focused on the crime of pandering related to her prostitution in the UK. Further, the lengthy proceedings from 2012, which only reached a conclusion in 2021, showcased systemic failures within the Slovak judicial process. The complainant was subjected to multiple testimonies about her trauma, which added to her distress. As a result of the ECHR's findings, the complainant received compensation of 26,000 euros for non-material damage and 15,000 euros for legal expenses. This case highlights significant gaps in the Slovak legal system’s handling of human trafficking cases and the need for better protective measures for vulnerable populations.