Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for Labour Exploitation

THB for labour exploitation has been criminalised in many countries, but its practice is still largely trivialised. States give their own interpretation of labour exploitation and case law differs considerably between states. The project seeks to assess how legislation on THB for labour exploitation is applied by the law enforcement agencies and further stakeholders. Within the study, it is clarified which public institutions, law enforcement agencies and further stakeholders are involved in identification of trafficked persons and law enforcement. At the same time, the assistance to victims of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation is analyzed.
The study in 5 countries gives an overview of the relevant stakeholders in actions against trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation and shows “best practices” and challenges regarding an effective investigation and prosecution of THB for labour exploitation. Within the study, interviews are conducted and legislation is analysed. Conclusions and recommendations stemming from the reports are discussed in an expert seminar, which will be attended by external experts, such as members of the EU Group of Experts on trafficking in human beings. The project combines a criminal law and human rights based approach to THB, which is supported by the fact that all project partners are research institutions.
Activities in the project are: Elaborating 5 country reports, Expert Seminar in Vienna, Elaborating a comparing report, Closing conference in Tilburg;
The results of the project including the country reports, the comparing report and further scientific reports on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation are published in a book by Wolf Publishers.  The country report on Austria can be downloaded from the website.