The Commission presents a new strategy to combat human trafficking

The European Commission has unveiled a new strategy to combat human trafficking. In 2023 and 2024, more than 20,000 victims were recorded across the EU, representing a 16.1 per cent increase, although many cases remain unreported. Trafficking takes many forms, including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, forced criminal activity, begging and forced marriage.

The new strategy aims to tackle this issue by focusing on six priorities: making better use of technology to prevent and detect human trafficking, closer collaboration with businesses and labour inspectors, stepping up the fight against organised crime, managing migration-related risks, improving preparedness for crisis situations, and strengthening support and protection for people at risk and victims. Traffickers continue to target people in vulnerable situations. Women and girls accounted for 63 per cent of recorded victims, mainly for sexual exploitation; children accounted for 15 per cent; and men make up the majority of victims of trafficking for labour exploitation (74 per cent). To combat the rise in trafficking more effectively, the EU must adapt its response.

Ahead of the EU Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings, which was observed on 18 October, the new strategy sets out six strategic pillars for a coordinated and future-proof approach: harnessing modern technology; strengthening private-sector engagement to reduce the risks of exploitation and improve early detection; dismantling transnational trafficking linked to organised crime; preventing exploitation linked to migration; improving prevention, preparedness and rapid response in crisis situations; and improving the protection of people vulnerable to trafficking.

 

More information: European Commission