On June 13th, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe issued Directive 2024/1712 to member states, addressing the fight against human trafficking. This Directive updates the previous Directive 2011/36, which had already been incorporated into Greek law through Law 4198/2013 – Government Gazette A 215/11.10.2013.
With these amendments, the existing legislation is enhanced, providing public authorities with more tools to improve support for trafficking victims and to investigate and prosecute new forms of exploitation, including those taking place online.
Some key amendments include:
- New forms of exploitation recognized as components of human trafficking, such as forced marriage, surrogate motherhood, and illegal adoption, are added to the existing forms.
- Digital skills and relevant expertise among authorities are to be improved to address the rapid spread of human trafficking through technology.
- The need for a stricter criminal framework is emphasized, with judicial authorities urged to consider the dissemination of images, videos, or similar sexual content material related to the victim through information and communication technologies as an aggravating factor in human trafficking convictions.
- The promotion of training for professionals who may encounter potential trafficking victims and ensuring the development of technological skills among professionals.
- Member states are also called to ensure coordination between national referral mechanisms for trafficking victims and asylum authorities.
Member states have two years (until July 15, 2026) to align their national legislation with the Directive.
SolidarityNow closely follows legislative developments at the European Union level to combat human trafficking and protect victims. Updating legal provisions at both European and national levels is essential as human trafficking continues to be a rapidly growing crime, with an increasing number of cases being committed or facilitated through information and communication technologies.
Together against human trafficking
SolidarityNow collaborates with the Family and Child Care Center (KMOP) and the National Center for Social Solidarity (EKKA) with the goal of strengthening the protective environment for victims and potential victims of human trafficking who are third-country nationals. The initiative also facilitates access to their rights while promoting the prevention, early identification, and response to human trafficking.
As part of the PROCAP project, SolidarityNow provides comprehensive psychosocial and legal support services through individualized case management and group interventions aimed at preventing the re-victimization of trafficking victims or those at risk of exploitation.
The organization’s services are delivered through mobile units that regularly visit shelters and temporary reception facilities in both Northern and Southern Greece. The organization is also present at community centers in Athens and Thessaloniki, supporting urban populations (Blue Refugee Center/Athens Solidarity Center).
*The “PROCAP / Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, Capacity Building, and Support to Key Social Partners” project is co-funded by the European Union under the “Greece Program – Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund 2021-2027” as a Special Action for the provision of services to trafficking victims who are third-country nationals, under OPS Code 6002554.