Publication date: 20 October 2022

In 2022, Belgium was subject to the third evaluation round of the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. This report analyses in detail how the Belgian authorities ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of trafficking in human beings.

Publication date: 06 May 2022

Trafficking in human beings is a crime against the victim’s fundamental rights. It can take several forms, such as sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery and servitude-related practices, as well as the removal of organs. This practice is prohibited under numerous EU and international instruments. Yet, persistent demand for sexual services and for low-wage workers employed in manual jobs continues to provide opportunities for traffickers to exploit human beings.

Publication date: 21 October 2015

In its annual report on trafficking and smuggling of human beings, Myria provides qualitative and quantitative data on these phenomena as well as a judicial analysis and recommendations. The 2015 report focuses in particular on victims of early or forced marriages and on victims of loverboys.

Publication date: 04 December 2014

This annual report on Human Trafficking, produced by the Federal Migration Centre, provides qualitative and quantitative data on victims of human trafficking as well as judicial analysis and recommendations to the new government.

Publication date: 25 September 2013

Today, the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) published a report examining the efforts made by the Belgian authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings.
Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: GRETA, victims of human trafficking

Publication date: 21 May 2013

This document gives victims and practitioners an overview of rights based on EU legislation.
Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: rights, victims of human trafficking

Publication date: 07 March 2013

16 Member States provide information on legislation, responsible authorities, criteria and process and residence permits for victims of trafficking.

Publication date: 15 March 2012

Peter H. van der Laan, Monika Smit, Inge Busschers and Pauline Aarten have published their study for the Campbell Collaboration. It focuses on cross-border trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and prostitution.

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The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism has published its 2010 annual report on trafficking/smuggling of human beings
Main theme: Smuggling & Trafficking
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: victims of human trafficking

Publication date: 11 May 2011

The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism (Centre) published an information brochure for potential victims of human trafficking

Publication date: 04 May 2011

The King Baudouin Foundation publishes a practical tool for practitioners in the re/integration of victims of human trafficking

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Child Focus and Payoke have signed a collaboration protocol to better detect, support, and protect minors who are victims of sexual exploitation. The agreement establishes fixed contact points, faster coordination for urgent cases, and tailored referrals, aiming to ensure that victims receive appropriate assistance without having to repeat their story.

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Thirty-eight members of a Belgian-Chinese human trafficking network have been formally referred by the Ghent chamber of indictment to the correctional court. They face multiple charges including sexual exploitation, trafficking, pimping, money laundering, and document forgery. The Federal Migration Centre, Myria, has joined the case as a civil party, representing the interests of victims. 

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Eurostat released trafficking in human beings statistics, revealing that 10.793 victims were registered in the EU in 2023, an increase of 6.9% compared with 2022 and the highest recorded value in the period 2008-2023. Several countries explained that it is partly reflected through increased attention of the authorities and agencies that fight against trafficking in human beings.

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On 22 July 2024, the Minister of Justice officially launched the Blue Heart Campaign at the Antwerp city hall. EMN Belgium joined local authorities, the three specialised centres for victims of human trafficking, Myria, the Social Intelligence and Investigation Service and the IOM on this occasion. As one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, this year's global campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. 

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On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament voted in favor of an amended Directive concerning trafficking in human beings. The new text broadens the EU’s actions against human trafficking beyond labour and sexual exploitation, and also criminalises new forms of exploitation like forced marriage, illicit adoption, and the exploitation of surrogacy at the EU level.

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Recent Eurostat figures show that in 2022, 10.093 victims of human trafficking were registered in the European Union. There were 8.064 suspected traffickers and 2.097 convicted traffickers. The statistics also shed light on gender distribution among traffickers and victims, as well as exploitation patterns.

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Today the Belgian presidency of the Council and representatives of the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the revision of the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive from 2011. The updated rules were called to better respond to developments in the forms and means of trafficking in human beings and to combat this crime more effectively.

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The 2015 Annual Report on trafficking and smuggling in human beings is now available in English. This report is produced by Myria, the Belgian Federal Migration Centre and the independent National Rapporteur on trafficking in human beings.

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Eurostat and DG Home Affairs are publishing the first report on statistical data on trafficking in human beings at EU level, covering the reference years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

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The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism (Centre) publishes the English version of its Annual Report on Trafficking & Smuggeling 2009, which was published in French and Dutch in October 2010