Combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children: 2nd phase of the programme Stop II

PURPOSE : to establish the second phase of the programme of incentives, exchanges, training and cooperation for persons responsible for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children (Stop II). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Decision 2001/514/JHA establishing a second of the programme of incentives, exchanges, training and cooperation for persons responsible for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children (Stop II). CONTENT : this Decision establishes the second phase of the Stop programme for the exchange and training of, and cooperation between, persons responsible for combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children. The Programme is hereby renewed for the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002. The programme shall contribute to the general objective of provising citizens with a high level of protection in an area of freedom, security and justice. Within this framework, it is intended to prevent and combat trade in human beings and all forms of sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography and the violence associated with it, and to help the victims of these criminal activities. It aims, in particular to: - develop, implement and evaluate a European policy in this field; - encourage and strengthen networking and practical cooperation such as the exchange and dissemination of information, experience and good practice, and the improvement and adaptation of training and scientific and technical research; - give particular attention to participation in the projects developed by this programme to the public or private organisations, institutions or associations concerned in the applicant countries; - encourage the stepping up of cooperation with third countries and the competent regional and international organisations. The applicant countries may participate in the projects in order to familiarise themselves with the Union acquis in this area and help them prepare accession. The programme shall comprise of the following types of activities: - training; - exchanges and work experience placements; - studies and research; - meetings and seminars; - dissemination of results obtained under the programme. The financial reference amount for the implementation of this programme for the period 2001 to 2002 shall be EUR 4 million. With regard to the implementation of the programme, the Commission shall be responsible for the management and implementation of the programme, in cooperation with the Member States. Lastly, the Commission shall undertake each year an evaluation of the actions carried out in implementing the programme for the previous year. Moreover, each year the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council on theimplementation of of the programme. The first report shall be presented before 31 July 2002. ENTRY INTO FORCE : the Decision shall take effect from 07/07/2001. It shall apply until 31 December 2002. �