Key International
Laws & Agreements
Palermo Convention
In 2000 the United Nations adopted the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, also called the Palermo Convention. This is a comprehensive international convention against transnational organized crime incorporating international laws to address trafficking in women and children, the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms and ammunition, and illegal trafficking in and transportation of migrants.
The purpose of the Convention is to promote cooperation to prevent and combat transnational organized crime more effectively. The Convention is supplemented by the Palermo Protocols:
Download a copy of the Palermo Convention [PDF]
Links to Guides to the Convention and Protocol
Legislative Guide for the Implementation of United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
(English PDF)
The Annotated Guide to the Complete UN Trafficking Protocol (International Human Rights Law Group) 2002
(English PDF)
Guide to the new UN Trafficking Protocol, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (Coalition Against Trafficking in Women) 2001
(English PDF)
Legislative Guide for the Implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
(English PDF)
Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking: Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Economic and Social Council 2002
(English)
