Trafficking in human beings is one of the most serious cross-border crimes and one of the most complex human rights challenges of our time, and that is why it is particularly important that the European Commission declared the 18th of October the European Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Therefore that day is dedicated to raise awareness and to call for effective measures to eradicate trafficking in human beings and to protect victims at international, European, and national level.
This phenomenon is becoming increasingly widespread in the European Union and worldwide. It is in conflict with Hungary's fundamental values that its citizens and those who are in our country fall victim of human trafficking. Globalization is also leading to an increase in the number of criminals, an increase in organized and serious crime in the region; therefore it is essential that we work together to prevent trafficking in human beings, either through cross-border cooperation or public and civil society working together. Preventing trafficking in human beings, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators is a common interest and responsibility of society.
Regular meetings of the National Coordination Mechanism and the NGO Roundtable, chaired by the Deputy State Secretary for EU and International Relations of the Ministry of Interior, demonstrate the active work that is being done with the involvement of relevant partners in Hungary in order to eliminate the phenomenon of trafficking. Hungary's new strategy against trafficking in human beings is in preparation. In addition to prevention, it also aims to improve the effectiveness of legal instruments to detect and prosecute trafficking cases.
In addition, the Ministry of Interior will continue to draw attention to the importance of the matter in all possible forums. Hungary has joined the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) campaign for awareness raising, which will be launched on the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings. Furthermore, the international conference of the European Migration Network took place this week, where Hungarian and international experts outlined the challenges posed by the cross-border nature of the phenomenon and shared good practices with the audience.