The objects and reasons of this Bill are to transpose into national law Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, by inter alia introducing specific offences of trafficking in persons for the purposes of forced marriage and exploitation of surrogacy, while also extending the application of aggravated circumstances. The Bill also provides for specialised assistance and support to victims of trafficking, introduces specific safeguards for child victims, establishes a National Referral Mechanism for trafficking in persons, and designates the Ministry responsible for equality as the National Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator.