Trafficking in human beings is a highly lucrative and often violent crime that destroys people’s lives, depriving the victims of their dignity, freedom and fundamental rights.
According to the latest data, the number of registered trafficking victims is on the rise (+20,5). 65% of the victims are women and girls. Sexual exploitation remains the most common form of trafficking (49%), followed by trafficking for labour exploitation which has increased significantly.
Civil society organisations are key stakeholders in combatting trafficking in human beings. They play an important role in prevention, while also offering a wide and diverse range of support to trafficking victims or potential victims, such as legal counselling, protection, shelter, medical support and education.
The EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings
The European Commission has now launched a Call for Expression of Interest in view of renewing the composition of the “EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings”. After more than 10 years of presence, the renewal of the Platform will take into account the evolving landscape of human trafficking as well as changes in civil society organisations working in the field at national or European level.
The Platform offers a concrete opportunity for constructive exchanges on how to best address trafficking in human beings through non-legislative actions and initiatives, including awareness-raising activities, early identification of victims, and victim support. It also serves as a forum for civil society to engage at EU level, sharing best practices and facilitating cooperation.
The Call for Expression of Interest
The call is open to civil society organisations that are legally based in EU Member States and have demonstrated experience in the protection of and assistance to victims of trafficking in human beings, as well as prevention activities.
The current members of the Platform will not automatically remain members. They are required to renew their interest in membership in the Platform by sending an application.
The deadline to apply is 5 March 2025 at 12:00 CET.
Find out more
For more information about the Call, the application procedure and the eligibility criteria, please read the full Call text.
New Progress report on combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
