European Forum in Stockholm drives international efforts against labour exploitation

At the European Forum against Human Trafficking for Forced Labour and Labour Exploitation, experts and policy makers convened to tackle pressing issues in combating human trafficking and labour exploitation.

In a move to intensify the fight against human trafficking for labour exploitation in Europe, the European Forum against Human Trafficking for Forced Labour and Labour Exploitation convened in Stockholm, Sweden, on 7-8 December 2023. Organised by the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, this forum contributed to advancing the international cooperation against these crimes.

“As a former prosecutor, I have seen first-hand what enormous suffering human trafficking for forced labour and labour exploitation can cause,” said Paulina Brandberg, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life, in her opening remarks at the forum, further urging that “cooperation and coordination at all levels and across borders is vital in our fight against trafficking and exploitation.”

She was joined by about 250 experts and policymakers from across Europe who engaged in a much-needed international dialogue on effective solutions and driving meaningful change in the battle against human trafficking for labour exploitation in Europe.

In addition to focussing on how European states currently perceive and address labour exploitation, the efficacy of existing measures and successful prosecutions within the European legal framework was particularly addressed.

“Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime that exploits and violates the human rights of its many victims, said Grzegorz Poznański, the Director general of the CBSS. “On a global scale, but also looking regionally at the EU and even the Baltic Sea Region, we note with worry that the number of victims is increasing while the number of convictions is far too low.”

Topics of the various expert seminars and panel discussions included re-evaluating and strengthening strategies to address labour exploitation in European states, providing long-term assistance to victims, and overcoming institutional and legislative hurdles in countering human trafficking. 

The forum also addressed the role of gender in misconceptions around labour exploitation, conceptualising and tackling demand, and the integration of migrants as a preventative measure. Effective partnerships beyond traditional stakeholders, the successful practices of labour inspectorates, and ensuring victims’ rights and access to remedies, irrespective of criminal investigations, were also key points. 

Additionally, the forum focused on the challenges of investigating, prosecuting, and convicting labour exploitation cases, and utilising supply chains and public procurement as tools to prevent labour exploitation.

The event came at a critical time, against the backdrop of the recent humanitarian crisis triggered by Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, bringing the issue of human trafficking into sharp focus.

The forum participants ranged from national and international policy makers to frontline responders such as labour inspectorates, legal professionals, migration agencies, and academics from across Europe. Representatives from the private sector, employer organisations, and union organisations also participated.

“Human trafficking for forced labour and labour exploitation is one of the most serious forms of organised crime,” stated Lena Ag, the Director General of the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, adding that “this conference [provided] an opportunity to collaborate and drive meaningful change in the battle against this criminal activity in Europe.”