Malta hosted a high-level conference, on 11 June 2025, under the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, focusing on how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can drive progress in the fight against human trafficking. This flagship event gathered leading voices from government, international organisations, law enforcement, academia and civil society to examine how digital innovation can strengthen prevention, protection and prosecution efforts, while upholding human rights.
Opening remarks were delivered by Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, and Ms Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity at the Council of Europe.
The conference featured two high-level panels. The first examined how innovative technologies are being used to disrupt human trafficking networks. The second panel addressed the human rights dimensions of AI tools in the context of prevention and victim protection. In the afternoon, participants engaged in interactive workshops focused on three key areas: ensuring the ethical use of AI in efforts to combat human trafficking; securing and exchanging digital evidence in trafficking cases; and fostering cross-sector partnerships that connect governments, tech companies, financial institutions, and civil society.
Venue: Rabat, Malta
More information: Artificial Intelligence and Trafficking in Human Beings
Press accreditations: Alexia Manduca, Human Rights Directorate, Office of the Prime Minister of Malta - [email protected]
