Harsher punishment should be given to human traffickers by rule of law, so that people's legitimate rights can be protected and the social stability can be maintained, according to Zhang Jun, president of China's top court.

Zhang made the remark while delivering a speech at the 19th conference of presidents of supreme courts of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Thursday.

While calling for a high-pressure stand on fighting human trafficking, Zhang stressed that it is a must to strengthen the crackdown on those who buy trafficked women or children, so as to curb the crime from the start.

He highlighted the significance of formulating and issuing judicial interpretations and legal normative documents to combat the crime, with disclosure of influential cases, adding, "they're conducive to the accurate application of laws and the unification of verdict-rendering standards,"

If finding loopholes or flaws of administrations in case handling, sending judicial suggestions to government departments or social organizations are also necessary, he said.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of providing legal and psychological aids for victims, suggesting international communication and joint crackdowns against human trafficking.

"Chinese courts would like to work with the other member states to enhance exchanges and deepen cooperation on the issue, together facing the new problems and challenges in the field of cross-regional crimes," he added.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, judicial authorities from the member states reached a consensus on combating transnational human trafficking, with an agreement on widely applying mediation in solving civil disputes and promoting digital justice.