On Monday, 20 October, numerous experts and frontline actors attended, representing the FPS Justice, specialised centres for the reception of victims of trafficking, the Federal Migration Centre Myria, the Social Inspection, the Federal Police, the judiciary, the Immigration Office, the FPS Foreign Affairs, as well as organisations such as Fairwork Belgium and the King Baudouin Foundation. European partners were also present, including the EU Coordinator for the Fight Against Human Trafficking, the Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings and Sexual Violence against Children from the Netherlands. Their aim was to review the key milestones in Belgium’s fight against trafficking since the 13 April 1995 law criminalising human trafficking, and to take stock of persistent challenges and future perspectives.

Participants praised the innovative and truly multidisciplinary nature of Belgium’s approach to combating human trafficking. Belgian actors exchange substantial information and are actively engaged in the fight. They emphasised that security and trust are essential conditions for identifying potential victims and supporting them over the long term. The central role of specialised centres in welcoming and assisting victims was also highlighted: by accompanying them over several years, these centres play a key role in their recovery. Participants underlined the importance of the specialisation of inspectors and judges, which is indispensable in such a complex area, as well as the significance of training and awareness-raising, stressing that anyone can contribute to detecting trafficking situations. Finally, they highlighted Belgian initiatives in the context of multilateral cooperation.

Participants also pointed out several challenges. They noted the lack of resources across the justice system, specialised centres, inspections and the police, as well as the need to respond to challenges linked to digitalisation. The length of procedures and the difficulties victims face in obtaining effective compensation were also highlighted, leading to suggestions such as the possibility of scheduling confiscations and seizures earlier in the process, or the creation of a fund to allow automatic compensation. Lawyers also requested to be involved from the outset of cases to collect the information necessary for the qualification or requalification of trafficking-related facts. Participants further drew attention to particularly vulnerable groups, such as minors subjected to sexual exploitation or forced criminality, as well as exploited persons who do not obtain victim status and therefore find themselves in highly precarious situations. Finally, they stressed that human trafficking is constantly evolving, and that actors must remain vigilant, adapt, and implement appropriate responses to emerging challenges.

The day opened and closed with testimonies from survivors of human trafficking. These accounts highlighted not only the resilience of survivors but also the pivotal role of all actors involved in providing support and assistance, which is essential to help victims rebuild their lives and regain autonomy. The conference concluded with remarks from J. Vande Lanotte, President of the First Parliamentary Committee on Human Trafficking, and Ms. Verlinden, Minister of Justice.