Human trafficking remains a pressing issue for the Republic of Belarus.
Human trafficking remains a pressing issue for the Republic of Belarus.
In the Concept of National Security of our state, ensuring personal safety of an individual, their constitutional rights and freedoms is defined as one of the main tasks.
Liability for violation of legislation on human trafficking is provided for by Articles 171, 171-1, 181, 181-1, 182, 187 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
The Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus provides for up to 15 years of imprisonment for any of the actions listed in Art. 181. For example, recruitment, transportation, concealment, or procurement of a person for the purpose of exploitation, committed by deception or abuse of trust, or by using violence not dangerous to the life and health of the victim, or by threatening to use such violence, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to seven years.
The same actions committed with a number of qualifying circumstances (against two or more persons, by a group of persons by prior conspiracy, for mercenary motives, etc.) are punishable by imprisonment for a term of seven to twelve years.
Part 3 of this Article of the Criminal Code for such actions committed by an organised group, or against a person known to be a minor, or resulting in the death of the victim due to negligence, or causing grievous bodily harm, or HIV infection, or other grave consequences – is punishable by imprisonment from twelve to fifteen years with a fine.
An individual who has committed an administrative offence in connection with the fact that actions entailing liability under Art. 181, or actions aimed at their use for sexual or other exploitation, were committed against them – is exempted from administrative liability.
An effective system for combating human trafficking has been established in Belarus, but everyone must also take care of their own safety.
It should always be remembered that, as a rule, offers of large, quick, easy earnings abroad often do not correspond to reality. Do not entrust your documents to anyone. If you are going to study or work abroad, conclude a contract with an organisation through its representative office in your country, not upon arrival in a foreign state. Avoid dubious offers from unfamiliar persons regarding work or marriage abroad.