The annual meeting of the Council of Europe Network of specialised lawyers and NGOs providing legal assistance to victims of human trafficking took place in Strasbourg on 22-23 October 2026, bringing together some 53 participants. Set up 10 years ago, the network seeks to improve access to rights and justice for trafficked persons through the exchange of experiences, information and legal strategies.
This year’s meeting focused on overcoming challenges in ensuring victims’ effective access to rights, including appropriate and secure accommodation, compensation and back wages, as well as on protecting the rights of victims of trafficking in asylum and migration procedures. Particular attention was paid to child protection systems and addressing barriers to effective access to rights in residential care settings.
Participants also held an exchange with Judge Davor Derenčinović of the European Court of Human Rights. The meeting included a presentation on the new GRETA’s Guidance Note on residence permits for victims of human trafficking.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the exhibition “Human Trafficking Through Artists’ Eyes” was inaugurated at the Council of Europe, presenting artistic initiatives by two of the civil society organisations members of the Network: La Strada Czech Republic and the Protestant Social Centre of Geneva, Switzerland.
