h) Victims

Victims of trafficking suffer unspeakable harm during their exploitation, but the path to exit and rehabilitation is often very difficult. Some particularly vulnerable persons have no choice but to fall back into exploitative situations. 

Therefore, involving victims in the fight against trafficking appears to be an essential way to accompany them towards rehabilitation and reintegration.  

→ Their participation is important for their own journey but also to help and support other victims in an informed way.

→ They can also participate in awareness and training around trafficking. One example is Timea’s Cause, a society run by trafficking survivors, whose mission it is to raise awareness, prevent, educate, and combat modern-day slavery, while providing a second chance to victims of trafficking.

→ In addition, victims and survivors have an important role in prosecuting traffickers. In turn, the conviction of criminals (which are extremely rare in trafficking case) contribute to the rehabilitation of victims. Access to justice andcompensation is an important step for them. However, participation can be particularly difficult, especially when it comes to testifying. As such, it must be strictly controlled, protected and limited, and must not be a condition for aid and assistance. The situation and the will of the victim must be considered in all circumstances.

The importance of victim participation in anti-trafficking efforts is recognized by many actors, including the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The trust fund was established in 2010 as part of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, in accordance with the Palermo Protocol, and funds many projects, some of which are led by former victims of trafficking.

In order to effectively combat human trafficking, it is essential to act in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary manner. All actors must be mobilized and have a role to play in this fight. From international and regional institutions to States and civil society, all must commit and collaborate to prevent and combat this scourge, and to better protect, rehabilitate and reintegrate the victims. Together we must provide coordinated responses and intensify the sharing of good practices and engage in partnerships.