The importance of early identification of victims of trafficking in human beings is reflected both in the Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims as well as EU Strategy towards the eradication of trafficking in human beings 2012-2016.
The first training in Hungary on the identification and referral of (presumed) child victims of trafficking in Hungary, implemented in the framework of the Mario project in Hungary took place on the 28th of October 2013 in Budapest.
EPP Group MEP Lívia Járóka held a discussion with Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs on the rapidly expanding problem of human trafficking and exploitation, and the increased vulnerability of Roma communities.
The Ministry of Interior submitted an application “Referral of and assistance for victims of human trafficking in Europe” (RAVOT-EUR) for Action Grants under the Programme “Prevention of and Fight against Crime” 2012 ISEC General Call for Proposals (submission deadline 6 March 2013) of the European Commission.
The EU Anti-Trafficking Day is organised every year on 18 October. The first Anti-Trafficking Day was held in 2007.
On 18th October 2013 the Lithuanian Presidency and the European Commission organised the Seventh EU Anti-Trafficking Day in Vilnius. The conference aimed to explore the links between the Internet and trafficking in human beings and to improve cooperation between Member States.
The Ministry of Interior participated in the project “Integrated approach for prevention of labour exploitation in origin and destination countries” funded by the Directorate General Home Affairs of the European Commission which general objective is to decrease labour exploitation in origin, transit and destination countries.
„Anti-trafficking tent” welcomed guests at the Civil Island between 7-11 August 2013 who had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the phenomenon of human trafficking, the indicators of victimisation and possible solutions, important steps and measures to be taken before going abroad to work and the activities of the organizations taking part in the fight against human trafficking.
From October 6-16 2013, The A21 Campaign is holding a Freedom Challenge where a team of 10 brave and determined cyclists will ride through the main trafficking routes of Eastern-Europe from Sofia, Bulgaria to London, United Kingdom. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness in countries where many women and children victims are taken as well as to collect for the shelters and assistance programmes of the victims.
According to information provided by the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague, the United Kingdom, Spain and Estonia are initiating international police cooperation for the fight against child pornography.