Baltic Sea Youth Convene in Stockholm to Tackle Human Trafficking

A two-day study visit on human trafficking and the demand that fuels it held in Stockholm on 21-22 October 2024, gathering youth representatives from the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) and the OSCE Youth Platform. The event brought together six members of the BSRYF Working Group on Anti-Trafficking, alongside six additional youth representatives invited by the OSCE, to deepen their understanding and develop practical recommendations on tackling sexual exploitation across the Baltic Sea Region.

The study visit is part of the PEX-BSR project, funded by the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, aimed at amplifying regional cooperation to address human trafficking, specifically for sexual exploitation. In addition to discussions on the core issues, participants collaborated on a document titled, “Everything You Need to Know About Prostitution, Human Trafficking, and Other Forms of Sexual Exploitation,” originally published in Sweden. The document, previously reviewed by young experts from LightUp Norway and a Lithuanian NGO, serves as an educational resource, laying the groundwork for informed policy recommendations.

During the visit, participants focused on strategies to address demand within the context of sexual exploitation, as well as access to rights and remedies for victims. The initiative reflects an intersectional approach, addressing the impact of trafficking on vulnerable groups, including youth and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This study visit highlights a successful model of cross-sectoral collaboration, showcasing how national initiatives, facilitated by the CBSS, can grow into macro-regional efforts. 

The event forms part of a broader framework under the CBSS Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB), which is currently developing a report on trafficking for sexual exploitation. 

Since August 2024, under PEX-BSR, the TF-THB has conducted twelve roundtable discussions across CBSS Member States, engaging key stakeholders from government ministries, judicial authorities, and NGOs to build a comprehensive picture of trafficking trends and preventive measures.

In the coming months, insights from these discussions will feed into a final report, aimed at equipping policymakers in the Baltic Sea Region with actionable recommendations. As these youth representatives return to their respective communities, their enhanced knowledge and policy proposals are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking across the region. This event underscores the vital role of youth in shaping a safer, more secure Baltic Sea Region.