“Trafficked en Route – Early Identification and Support to Victims of Human Trafficking for Labour Exploitation”
Labour exploitation of third-country nationals in Europe often remains hidden and underreported, and many victims are never identified. People travelling along migration routes in Europe – from their countries of origin, through transit countries, to destination countries – face a particularly high risk of exploitation. This risk is especially significant for migrants in an irregular situation and for those who are not recognised as victims of human trafficking.
Exploitation frequently occurs during on the road itself and in sectors with complex subcontracting and cross-border employment arrangements, such as construction, agriculture and transport. In many cases, these crimes fall outside systems of prosecution and victim protection, exposing serious gaps in legislation, its enforcement and access to support.
The European project “Trafficked en Route – Early Identification and Support to Victims of Human Trafficking for Labour Exploitation” is an international initiative focused on labour exploitation of third country nationals along migration routes within and towards Europe.
The project explores exploitative practices such as deceptive recruitment, illegal posting of workers, coerced mobility and fake job advertisements. Over a two-year period, an international consortium led by FairWork (the Netherlands), together with Animus Association Foundation (Bulgaria), La Strada Foundation Against Human Trafficking and Slavery (Poland), Fundación de Solidaridad Amaranta (Spain), Associação para o Planeamento da Família (Portugal) and La Strada International (the Netherlands), will work to identify how refugees and migrants who are on the move in Europe can be better reached and protected. The project’s goal is to prevent people from falling into situations of labour exploitation and to support them in claiming their rights.
Aims and Activities
Trafficked en Route aims to improve early identification and effective support for (potential) victims of human trafficking for labour exploitation along migration routes in Europe. To achieve this, the project:
- raises awareness and empowers people at risk through campaigns, information materials and training sessions;
- identifies emerging migration routes and specific support needs through direct assistance and analysis of real cases;
- strengthens cross-border cooperation between organisations and institutions through trainings, stakeholder meetings and joint publications;
- highlights severe forms of labour exploitation and advocates for stronger and more effective legal frameworks.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
