Debates of the European Parliament

SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2003

Prevention and control of trafficking in human organs and tissues

Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, I think that the initiative by the Greek Government to table a proposal on the prevention and repression of trafficking in human organs is very important if we are to combat this scandal of the trafficking in bazaars of human organs and, above all, stamp out action by internationally organised criminal networks which engage in abductions and murder, especially of children, in order to sell their organs. I think that the report drafted by Mr Evans, while supporting the basic objectives of the Greek proposal, at the same time supplements them and provides safety valves so as not to discourage donors.

We all know that there has been a reduction in the number of transplants over recent years in the European Union. In Greece, the average waiting time for a kidney transplant is over 8 years. The biggest problem is mainly with liver and heart transplants. In this case, we know that many patients die waiting for a transplant. This situation, of course, is exploited by organised crime, which offers a way out in the form of transplant tourism and by dealing with complicated trafficking networks. It is an open secret that the biggest organ bazaars operate in India, Brazil, South Africa, China and Pakistan. Nonetheless, acute phenomena of speculation and violations of human dignity are also appearing in the European Union and in the candidate countries, where the exertion of economic pressure on financially impoverished groups contributes to the flourishing of illegal and repugnant action by dark networks.

In addition to this, serious account also needs to be taken of the repercussions on public health, as the relevant amendment points out. I also agree with the amendment by the European Parliament that trafficking also affects citizens' rights to equal access to health services and undermines confidence in the legal transplant system. Without doubt, we need a common stand at European Union level on the approximation of criminal legislation, which varies from one Member State to another, strict sanctions and international cooperation to combat the repulsive phenomenon of trafficking in human organs.

At the same time, however, we need to develop action at the level of informing and raising the awareness of the public. There would certainly be no illegal trade in human organs if more citizens were willing to donate organs and tissues after their death. That is why information campaigns are needed at national and European level in a bid to persuade people to become donors and to make their wishes known to their families and close ones well in advance. The issuing of a Community directive will create the appropriate legal framework in order to put the problem of thousands of people on waiting lists for organs on a new basis.