Human trafficking is driven by powerful criminal networks that exploit migration flows, digital platforms, and legal loopholes to profit from forced labour, sexual exploitation, and coercion into criminal activities. This year's Blue Heart Campaign focuses on the vital role that law enforcement and the criminal justice system play in dismantling organised trafficking networks. The campaign calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, proactive investigations, and the use of technology to target traffickers, while upholding the rights, protection, and access to justice of those affected.

Belgium, along with 32 other countries, joined this Blue Heart campaign in July 2019. This year, the Belgian Blue Heart Campaign was launched on 28 July in the city of Leuven by the Belgian Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden. In her speech, the Minister stated that "human trafficking is a growing form of organised crime, and in 2025 it is still a gruesome reality."

In this context, the Federal Public Service Justice, the specialised centres for victims of human trafficking (PAG-ASA, Payoke and Sürya), the Federal Migration Centre Myria (which is also the independent national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings), the Service for Information and Social Research (SIOD – SIRS) and UNODC are calling on people to be alert for signs of exploitation. Local authorities are becoming increasingly involved in this campaign. This year, no less than 34 cities and towns across Belgium will light up to support the Blue Heart Campaign.

For more information, please visit the website of the UNODC.

Photo credits: FPS Justice.