Joint Meeting of the EU Network of National Rapporteurs and Equivalent Mechanisms and EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings

Around 115 participants from EU Member States, as well as Moldova, Ukraine, Morocco and Albania participated in the joint meeting of the EU Network of National Rapporteurs and Equivalent Mechanisms and the EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings, which took place on 26 and 27 October in Brussels.

The meeting was co-chaired by Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and Michal Barbořík, Director for Crime Prevention Department in the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior of Czech Republic delivered statements in the opening session.

The first day was mainly dedicated to the implementation of the Common Anti-Trafficking Plan to address the risks of trafficking in human beings and support potential victims among those fleeing the war in Ukraine and, in particular, to the challenges, lessons learned and next steps. Participants recognised that temporary protection, as well as coordination and prevention efforts in relation to trafficking in human beings contributed to the low numbers of confirmed cases. However, some victims might have remained undetected. It is important to remain vigilant, to identify possible future vulnerabilities, which may create new opportunities for traffickers.

On the second day, participants discussed cooperation between national authorities and civil society organisations. Czechia, Belgium and Germany presented their national framework for cooperation. Civil society organisations play a major role in awareness raising, prevention, detection, assistance and protection of victims; or example, they provide safe shelters, medical care, psychological and legal counselling to the victims. It is of key importance that their activities are recognised and supported and that there are coordination platforms in place to enhance cooperation with the national authorities. In addition, activities carried out during the EU Anti-trafficking Day have been presented.