Our work
The Platform against human trafficking gathers organizations that work in different ways to combat human trafficking. Together, we provide shelter, legal advice, translation services, helpline support, outreach work, and help with internships and safely returning to their home country. We work constantly to strengthen victims’ rights and change attitudes.
The diversity of our member organizations is a key strength, making our efforts more effective in the fight against human trafficking. We work to implement Sweden’s commitment to international conventions, including the EU directive to strengthen the rights of the victims. We aim to improve victim support and prevent human trafficking through our work with authorities and international actors.
Activities of the Platform
We gather experiences from our member organizations to develop support programs and ensure that the victims receive the help they are entitled to. The Platform is also an important voice in dialogue with government agencies and other actors to improve the support to the victims and make sure their rights are being upheld in legal proceedings.
We are part of the EU Civil Society Platform Against Human Trafficking, which provides us with a strong international platform to advocate for enhanced efforts against human trafficking and greater support for human rights.
The Platform works to:
Program of ideas
Our idea programme proceeds from human rights and aims to ensure that victims’ rights are upheld. Through cooperation and assuring the quality of support services, we work toward long-term, sustainable solutions that improve the situation for victims and prevent future exploitation.
Human trafficking, modern slavery
Human trafficking is a global issue called modern slavery and a serious crime against human rights. The exploitation happens through different control mechanisms such as violence, debt slavery or threat, which hinders victims from being able to leave the situation. This illegal industry is driven by the demand for services and goods produced by people being exploited. According to the Palermo Protocol, human trafficking means recruiting, transporting, or holding someone for the purpose of exploiting them – sexually, through forced labour, slavery or organ donation.
Common kinds of human trafficking
Human trafficking can take many forms, including:
- Sexual exploitation: The most common form, involving prostitution, sex trafficking, and coerced sexual activities as a response to trauma.
- Labour exploitation: Occurs in industries such as agriculture, construction, cleaning, and the restaurant sector. Common indicators include threats, violence, withholding of identification documents, and debt bondage.
- Forced criminal activities: Victims may be coerced into committing crimes such as theft, drug dealing, or other illegal activities under the control of traffickers.
- Other forms: These include forced begging, modern slavery, and organ trafficking.
Who is Affected?
Human trafficking primarily affects individuals living in difficult socio-economic conditions with limited livelihood opportunities. Perpetrators lure victims with false promises of employment or a better life, leading to their exploitation either within their own country or abroad.
Many victims are transported across borders or moved between cities, making them more vulnerable to control and abuse. It is common for victims to have low trust in authorities and limited awareness of their rights.
Human trafficking occurs both internationally and domestically. While people from impoverished areas are often trafficked to wealthier countries for exploitation, trafficking also takes place within national borders, with victims being relocated between cities or regions.
Read more and find support
On our platform we provide resources and referrals to support for victims and education to develope awareness about human trafficking. Read more on Swedens’ National referral mechanism and find support here.