On the eve of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) joins the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) in calling upon States and relevant stakeholders to integrate anti-trafficking efforts into broader strategies addressing organised crime.
“Human trafficking is one of the most profitable businesses for organised crime,” stated Conny Rijken, President of GRETA. “Organised crime often thrives on the very factors that increase individuals’ vulnerability to trafficking. That is why GRETA’s ongoing fourth evaluation round highlights the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities, with a focus on how States prevent trafficking, assist vulnerable victims, and punish traffickers. GRETA also stresses the growing role of technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling trafficking, particularly of children, and urges States to tackle the digital dimension of this crime.”
GRETA fully supports ICAT’s call which reflects the recommendations made by GRETA during its evaluations of the Convention’s implementation by States Parties. These include strengthening financial investigations and ensuring that confiscated criminal assets are used to compensate and support victims; enhancing the capacity to investigate and prosecute tech-facilitated trafficking; protecting victims from punishment for acts committed as a direct consequence of their trafficking situation; enhancing international cooperation and cooperation with technology companies; improving the collection of reliable data; and addressing structural inequalities that increase vulnerability to trafficking.
According to the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024, nearly 74% of analysed cases were linked to organised crime groups. By joining ICAT’s call, GRETA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a coordinated, ambitious, and rights-based response to human trafficking. “As criminal networks continue to exploit crises, inequalities and individual vulnerabilities, only comprehensive strategies - rooted in prevention, protection, and justice - can turn the tide. States must continue their efforts, ensuring that victims are supported and perpetrators are held accountable,” stated GRETA President.
GRETA is responsible for evaluating compliance with the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by the States Parties. It is the only independent group of experts to monitor the implementation of binding international legal provisions in this field. The Convention entered into force in 2008 and has been ratified by all 46 member States of the Council of Europe, as well as two non-member States, Belarus and Israel.
The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) is a UN policy forum mandated by the General Assembly resolution 61/180 to improve coordination and cooperation among UN agencies and other relevant international organisations to facilitate a holistic and comprehensive approach to preventing and combating trafficking in persons, including protection and support for victims and survivors. Since 2018, the Council of Europe has been a partner of ICAT.
Over the past year, the Council of Europe's Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU) and the Action against Trafficking in Human Beings have sounded the alarm concerning the heightened risk of human trafficking and online exploitation among displaced children of Ukraine.
Since 2020, online grooming and exploitation have surged. Yet many states still lack the tools, trained personnel, and resources to respond effectively.
Awareness-raising is crucial, but not enough. In order to effectively address new challenges, it is imperative to:
- Refine strategies
- Invest in multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration
- Strengthen law enforcement agencies
- Enhance co-operation with the private sector.
As the CGU enters its 2nd mandate, concrete action rooted in children’s rights is called for:
- Digital safety - empower children, families, schools, and communities.
- Identification and assistance – build stronger systems that are grounded in improved data collection and analysis, and child-sensitive approaches.
- Recovery and participation - ensure trauma-informed approaches where children are heard, respected and protected.
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