Trafficking in human beings is one of the fastest growing forms of organised crime, millions of people fall victim worldwide, who are exploited, threatened and often deprived of their freedom. Ms Krisztina Berta, Deputy State Secretary for EU and International Relations, National Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator would like to take effective steps to prevent and combat this phenomenon, in cooperation with national and international partners. For a successful action, it is crucial to raise the awareness of the society and draw the attention of potential victims to the possible risks.
In the focus of this year’s Civil Sziget is the „European Year of Citizens 2013”. In accordance with this, the anti-trafficking tent is an outstanding opportunity for the interested visitors to get to know the phenomenon of human trafficking and to learn how to recognize the risks and the signs of becoming a victim, to gain information on the steps of prevention and the role of the government. During the past couple of years close to 400.000 visitors attended the Sziget Festival yearly, 50% of them were foreigners, mainly from the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. As Hungarian nationals become victim of human trafficking among others in these countries, the programme would like to address not only the Hungarian, but also the foreign visitors. In the anti-trafficking tent, many programmes welcome the interested participants: interactive games, quiz on human trafficking for useful gifts, discussions with representatives of the participating organizations and info brochures.
In 2012, the programme reached about 1000 young people from Hungary and abroad. Based on the success and results of last year, the Ministry of Interior continues this successful initiative in cooperation with Hungarian and international partners. The anti-trafficking tent has been realised with the support of the National Police Headquarters, EURES (European Employment Services), the Office of Public Administration and Justice, White Ring Public Benefit Association, the Embassies of Austria, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
In the anti-trafficking tent, the colleagues of the Ministry of Interior and its partners welcome the guests. The programme will be officially opened with the press conference by Ms Krisztina Berta in the afternoon of 7 August.