Trafficking in human organs is a silent crime that affects thousands of victims around the world, often the most vulnerable: people living in poverty, migrants, children, or adults in situations of extreme distress. This crime can occur anywhere: in informal medical and social contexts, but also through organised criminal networks, and seriously undermines human dignity, physical and mental health, and respect for the fundamental rights of victims. In most cases, these acts remain hidden, rarely reported and the perpetrators rarely prosecuted.

Each of us, at all levels of society, has a duty to prevent organ trafficking, report perpetrators, and protect victims. It is our collective responsibility to break the silence, raise public awareness, and take concrete action to collectively end this global scourge.

The International Day Against Organ Trafficking, celebrated annually on 25 March (#EndOrganTraffickingDay), marks the anniversary of the opening for signature of the Santiago de Compostela Convention. This day brings together all stakeholders, public authorities (including health, law-enforcement and judicial authorities) and civil society, to strengthen cooperation, improve prevention, prosecute criminals, protect victims and promote the Convention.

On this Day, the Council of Europe urges all its member States that did not do so to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs.

Cross-border challenges require cross-border solutions. Let’s join forces to engage States and tackle organ trafficking together.

 

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 Actions on 25 March 2026

  •  Portugal
    • Facebook Post (video from the Minister of Justice) 
    • LinkedIn Post 1
    • LinkedIn Post 2
    • Message from the Minister of Justice of Portugal for the International Day against Organ Trafficking – 25 March 2026