The EU Anti-Trafficking Day is an occasion to reflect upon the response to trafficking in human beings in Europe and upon challenges linked to identifying trafficked persons, providing them with adequate assistance and prosecuting perpetrators. It is also an occasion to raise awareness and encourage the entire international community to engage in the fight against trafficking.

IOM remains committed to protect and assist victims of trafficking during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. IOM works with partners in Europe and globally on all aspects of counter-trafficking responses – prevention, protection, and prosecution.

To promote a comprehensive approach to addressing human trafficking and increase the exchange of information, knowledge and best practices among the different actors working in this field, IOM has prepared several helpful guidelines and handbooks:

• IOM Handbook on Protection and Assistance for Migrants Vulnerable to Violence, Exploitation and Abuse 
• Migrants and their Vulnerability to Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery and Forced Labour 
• IOM Guidance on Referral Mechanisms 
• IOM Counter Trafficking Directory 
• Caring for Trafficked Persons: Guidance for Health Providers 
• The IOM Handbook on Direct Assistance for Victims of Trafficking 

Furthermore, IOM training materials are available on the following links:

• Trafficking in Persons: Protection and Assistance to Victims 
• Counter Trafficking in Humanitarian Settings (CTHS) 
• Introduction to Eliminating Slavery and Human Trafficking 
• Trafficking in Persons: Victim Identification and Assistance (Training Guide) 
• Community Engagement in Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence and Trafficking in Persons (Training Guide) 
• Investigating Human Trafficking Cases Using a Victim-centred Approach 
• Caring for Trafficked Persons: Guidance for Health Providers Facilitator’s Guide 

In 2018, Global Data Hub on Human Trafficking has been established, with the purpose of collecting and publishing harmonized data from counter-trafficking organizations around the world.  

While much progress has been made in the fight against the crime of human trafficking, the numbers of victims in Europe are still unacceptably high. Close cooperation between local, national and international institutions is needed to eradicate such a crime without borders.