An attempt to control human trafficking from a human rights-based approach: The case of Spain

Abstract

Anti-trafficking mechanisms in Spain can only be understood within the context of a general strategy set out in European Law, characterized by the adoption of a human rights-based approach. Thus, the Spanish Criminal Code has been modified on several occasions to criminalize human trafficking in accordance with European legislation. Moreover, with the goal of implementing other international obligations beyond mere criminal prosecution, several measures have been adopted, framed within two comprehensive plans to combat human trafficking for the periods 2009-2012 and 2015-2018. This chapter shall critically analyze the application of these mechanisms in theory and in practice, aiming to offer an unclouded vision of the response to this crime in Spain.