Transcript

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs, adopted by the Council of Europe in 2015. Ten years on, this Convention remains one of the most important legal instruments in the global fight against these silent and brutal crime, the trafficking of human organs, which threatens human rights and human dignity. The World Health Organization estimates that 10%. Of all organ transplants worldwide involve trafficked organs, often taken from poor, vulnerable or misled person. Traffickers do not ask for consent. Victims are deceived, coerced or abducted. Some are promised money or support but are abandoned, in pain and missing an organ. In extreme cases, people are murdered for their organs. The TH O Convention is the first binding international legal instrument to criminalize the trafficking of human organs, not only against those who remove. And sell them, but also against those who receive them and against the networks that facilitate these crimes. 10 years on, it is a milestone, but is it enough? Unfortunately, the legal trade of organs continues. This underground economy is now estimated to be worth over $1 billion a year. And while some get rich too many times, the desperate recipient gets fooled and the donor, often a child, gets near to nothing, if anything at all. In this context, let me reaffirm the commitment of Portugal in the prevention and fight against this phenomenon. As a member of the Council of Europe, Portugal has consistently supported initiatives to. About organ trafficking and to protect the dignity and rights of all human beings. Ten years on, the THL Convention remains a call to action. We must heed that call and step up responses. For example, we call out more countries, including third countries, to rectify and implement the Convention. Laws are only effective if approved and enforced, invests in ethical and transparent organ donation systems and ensure that patients don't feel forced to seek illegal alternatives. Raise awareness, these crimes thrives in silence. Let us speak up for the victims, for justice and for a future where no life is considered as a spare part. 10 years on, the TH O convention remains a beacon. Let's not allow it to become a forgotten promise. Thank you.