A/HRC/20/18 C. Criminalization of crimes relating to trafficking in persons 90. In addition to criminalizing trafficking in persons in conformity with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, States must ensure the criminalization of other crimes relating to trafficking in persons, including – but not limited to – corruption, money-laundering, debt bondage, obstruction of justice and participation in organized criminal groups. D. Facilitating the safe and productive involvement of victims in prosecution 91. Victims of trafficking are legally entitled to take an active and meaningful role in efforts to convict their exploiters, and should be supported to that end. This would therefore require the adoption of reflection and recovery periods accompanied by the provision of assistance not conditional on cooperation with the authorities. 92. States should protect the safety and well-being of victim-witnesses, in particular in view of the fact that victims may be subject to threats or reprisal from traffickers. 93. The Special Rapporteur urges States to extend protection and assistance to victim-witnesses in cases of trafficking in person pretrial, during trials and post-trial. Experience has shown that victim-witnesses are most vulnerable post-trial, when they usually no longer benefit from witness protection programmes. 94. In addition, judges and lawyers involved in trafficking cases should be trained to recognize the sensitive nature of trafficking cases, and be provided with tools to ensure effective and respectful trials, especially to protect victims of sex trafficking and to speed up the access of victims to justice. E. Promoting cooperation between criminal justice and victim support agencies 95. The role of victim support agencies in identifying trafficking cases and victims, providing information on trends in human trafficking and delivering services and support should be recognized and facilitated by States. Efforts should be made to build confidence and to encourage greater coordinated collaboration. The conclusion of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding on key areas of delivery will aid communication and build trust. In partnering victim support agencies or other civil society organizations, States must not delegate the responsibility to provide for the well-being of victims and must remain vigilant to ensure respect for human rights. F. Improving investigations and prosecutions 96. Training is an important component of anti-trafficking strategies, and the development of specialized anti-trafficking units may assist States to strengthen capacity to investigate and prosecute trafficking. Such units must be bound by clear mandates to address anti-trafficking matters, and be adequately equipped and funded. 97. The Special Rapporteur urges States to engage in proactive investigation, employing new technologies and methods that focus on gathering evidence to prove 22

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