Justice abroad
May 18, 2011
European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding presented a proposal at the European Commission in Brussels on Wednesday that would ensure better protection of crime and accident victims across the European Union.
Reding's proposed directive on minimum standards for victims would ensure that in all 27 EU nations, people who are victims of a crime or are in an accident are guaranteed the same basic set of rights and support in the aftermath of the incident.
"While our criminal justice systems focus on catching criminals, they sometimes end up neglecting the victims themselves," Reding said in a press release. "Today's Commission proposals will ensure that the EU puts victims first."
According to statistics provided by the justice commissioner, 75 million people are victims of a crime every year in the European Union. Given the fact Europeans make around 1.25 billion trips as tourists each year, the commissioner says, some are bound to fall victim of a crime or be involved in an accident while abroad.
More support for victims
Under the proposal, police, prosecutors and judges would receive additional training to help deal with foreign victims of crime. Should a trial result from a crime, victims would also be kept up to speed on their proceedings in a language they understand. Lawyers and translators would be provided when needed.
Vulnerable victims, such as children, those who were raped, or the disabled, would be properly identified and adequately protected.
The proposal would also see to it that protective measures, such as restraining orders, are recognized throughout the EU.
Reding's proposal extends to accidents that occur abroad as well. For example, an EU citizen involved in a traffic accident elsewhere in the block would be able to rely on limitations for making a claim that were valid in the victim's home country, rather than being subject to unfamiliar rules in the country where the accident took place.
The proposal must still be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can take effect.
Author: Matt Zuvela (dpa, dapd)
Editor: Nancy Isenson