How to tackle the challenges posed by the growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the recruitment, control, and exploitation of human trafficking victims? This question brought together over 60 local and regional experts at a two-day conference in Sarajevo on October 2–3, 2024, where they shared best practices and discussed strategic approaches. The conference especially focused on the protection and sharing of digital evidence in human trafficking cases, using ICTs to strengthen prevention efforts, and providing the victims with better access to support services. Additionally, experts discussed cooperation among governments, tech companies, financial institutions, and civil society.

"The widespread use of ICT in the recruitment, control, and exploitation of human trafficking victims - many of whom are children - presents a significant challenge. However, technology can also be part of the solution by helping law enforcement detect, investigate, and prosecute trafficking cases," emphasized Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo.

Stanislava Tanić, Head of the Department for Combating Human Trafficking and Illegal Immigration at Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Security, noted that increased internet usage has expanded opportunities for traffickers, who often use social networks to recruit victims and gain their trust. "This is why it is essential to educate the public about online risks and online security, so they are able to safely use the internet and all its advantages while remaining safe online and being capable of recognizing recruitment tactics," Tanić explained.

"Given the rise in ICT abuse by traffickers when attempting to recruit and explit their victims, a comprehensive and effective joint response is essential. This includes preventive campaigns, proactive investigations, and digital evidence collection. EVents such as this one, along with studies developed by the Council of Europe, are helping us in assessing the challenges, sharing experiences, and advancing our knowledge and practices," added Nenad Simić, National Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings with the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.

"The prevention of new forms of ICT-facilitated human trafficking must involve young people, so that this population, as well as children, can be protected from this terrible crime," emphasized Biljana Lalova, Head of the Anti-Trafficking Unit at the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia.

GRETA’s third evaluation reports for Bosnia and Herzegovina (July 2022), North Macedonia (March 2023), and Serbia (June 2023) underscore the importance of strengthening the criminal justice response to human trafficking through proactive, timely investigations and the use of all available evidence, including special investigative measures and digital evidence.

The conference was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project "Strengthening the fight against trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina" and the anti-trafficking projects in Serbia and North Macedonia, which are part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey" (phase III).