In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) draws attention to the particular difficulties experienced by victims of human trafficking, who generally find themselves in a position of great insecurity and vulnerability.
In addition to having suffered incapacitating psychological trauma and physical injuries, many of these women, men and children have no means of subsistence and may be in an irregular migration or employment situation, without medical or social protection, and with no documents and resources to enable them to return to their home countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, their situation can only deteriorate and criminals may actively use this global crisis to exploit vulnerability to increase the financial profit human trafficking generates.
