Trafficking of Human Organs
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 MINUTES OF THE MEETING SESSION OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2003 Human Organ and Tissue Trafficking (Prevention and Suppression)Karamanos (PSE) – Mr. President, I believe that the initiative of the Greek government to submit a proposal regarding the prevention and suppression of human organ trafficking is extremely important. This proposal aims to address the shameful practice of organ trade in the human organ markets, but, above all, to combat the activities of internationally organized criminal networks that engage in abductions and killings, particularly of children, for the purpose of selling their organs. I believe the report drafted by Mr. Evans supports the main objectives of the Greek proposal while complementing it and providing safeguards to ensure that organ donors are not discouraged. It is well known that there has been a decrease in the number of organ transplants in the European Union in recent years. In Greece, the average waiting time for a kidney transplant exceeds 8 years. The biggest problem lies particularly in liver and heart transplants. In these cases, we know that many patients die while waiting for a transplant. This situation is, of course, exploited by organized crime, which offers alternatives through transplant tourism and transactions with complex trafficking networks. It is a well-known fact that the largest organ markets operate in countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, as well as China and Pakistan. However, significant instances of profiteering and violations of human dignity are also evident within the European Union and candidate countries, where the economic pressure exerted on economically destitute groups contributes to the flourishing of illegal and abhorrent actions by dark networks. Furthermore, the impact on public health must be taken into serious consideration, as mentioned in the relevant amendment. I also agree with the European Parliament’s amendment that organ trade violates citizens’ right to equal access to healthcare services and undermines trust in the legitimate transplantation system. Without a doubt, we need a unified approach at the European Union level to harmonize criminal legislation, which varies from one country to another, enforce strict sanctions, and foster international cooperation to combat the abhorrent phenomenon of human organ trafficking. At the same time, we need to develop actions at the level of public information and awareness. Illegal trafficking of human organs would not exist if more citizens were willing to donate organs and tissues after their death. For this reason, national and European-level awareness campaigns are needed to encourage people to become donors and to make their wishes known to their families and close relatives in advance. The issuance of a Community directive will create the necessary legal framework to address the problem of the thousands of people who are crowding the waiting lists for organ transplants. |
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