Bulgaria marks the European Anti-Trafficking Day

On October 18 is the European Anti-Trafficking Day.

The fight against human trafficking is a priority for every Bulgarian government. Human trafficking is a grave crime against the personality, personal freedom, and dignity of the individual, that goes beyond the national borders. Counteracting it requires considerable efforts by the whole international community, which includes close cooperation between the countries.

The second part of the prevention campaign, organized by the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and General Directorate Combating Organized Crime (CDCOC) with the help of EU’s EMPACT program, began on the occasion of the European Anti-Trafficking Day. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is part of the campaign as of June 2021 and works in close cooperation with the administration of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the Ministry of Interior, the State Agency for Child Protection, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

The campaign is entitled “Do not play with their fate” and is focused on the sexual exploitation and the use of sexual favours, provided by the victims of human trafficking. It is envisaged to reach both the countries of origin of the victims and the destination ones.

Every year, hundreds of young women are gambling their future. Sexual exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of human trafficking and, according to the statistics by the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, more than 300 people become victims every year.

From the beginning of the year, 13 victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation have received protection and support through the specialized services of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.