Human organ trafficking treaty drafted by Europe's top rights body

Nations are now able to sign what backers say is the first ever international treaty against human-organ trafficking.

The agreement, which was opened to signatories yesterday, would make it illegal to take organs from people living or dead without their free and full prior consent, according to the text drafted by members of Europe's top rights body, the Council of Europe. The treaty also bans making money off transplants.

It will "fill in the gaps [in legislation] and puts in place protection for the victims," council Secretary General Thorbjoern Jagland said on Tuesday.

The World Health Organisation estimates some 10,000 black market transplants are carried out every year, a problem that frequently involves international crime and desperate victims.

Fourteen nations - including Britain, Spain, Italy and Turkey - were expected to sign the treaty yesterday at an international conference in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

At least five have to ratify the agreement, which is open to all countries, before it takes effect.