In the midst of the European Union, whose fundaments are based on human rights, a phenomenon has taken hold, which was thought to be part of past long overcome. Frequently people are sold like a commodity and forced to live like slaves. They are exploited in diverse ways: among others in prostitution, forced marriages, in forced labour in restaurants, in construction and meat industries. They are forced into begging and crime; children are sold into adoption.

While some call it modern day slavery, experts call it trafficking in human beings. There are reasons to assume a relation between trafficking in human beings and migration in the European Union.

This paper points out the essential role transnational smuggling networks play in linking trafficking in human beings to migration and in expanding the phenomenon of trafficked migrants: The professionalisation of smuggling networks active along the central migration routes to and within Europe furthers trafficking in human beings. Beyond that, the paper suggests means to curb the further expansion of such networks.

Read the entire “Facts and Findings” here as a PDF.