Brussels: The European Commission has released its fifth progress report on the fight against trafficking in human beings within the European Union, revealing a significant increase in the number of registered victims. The report, which analyzes data from 2021 to 2022, highlights a 41% rise in identified victims, from 7,155 in 2021 to 10,093 in 2022, although the actual figures are believed to be higher due to undetected cases.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the report indicates that trafficking for sexual exploitation remains the most prevalent form, accounting for 49% of all trafficking cases, with women comprising 92% of these victims. Labor exploitation is the second most common form of trafficking, representing 37% of cases, with men making up 70% of the victims. Child trafficking, although experiencing a 3% decrease, still constitutes 19% of all trafficking cases. Non-EU nationals were identified as the majority of victims, comprising 54% of the total.
In response to these findings and as part of the broader EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025), the European Union has implemented reinforced policies since 2022. A revised Directive aimed at preventing and combating trafficking was enacted in July 2024, following a proposal from the Commission in 2022. This directive enhances investigative tools for authorities and offers improved support for victims, with an emphasis on child protection and online sexual exploitation as an aggravating factor. Furthermore, the EU plans to establish an Anti-trafficking Hub to facilitate collaboration and best practice exchanges among Member States.
The report underscores that trafficking in human beings is the world’s second most widespread illicit economy, often linked to other criminal activities such as drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and money laundering. The biennial report is coordinated by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and is based on inputs from Member States, EU Agencies, and the EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings.