Partnering with the private sector: Key to preventing and combating trafficking in human beings

On 18 July 2023, the European Union Anti-Trafficking Coordinator (EU ATC), Diane Schmitt and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) held their annual meeting to discuss ongoing actions, future priorities and thematic issues.

The focus this year was on the role of the private sector in preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and especially children, and highlighted how information and communication technologies can facilitate trafficking.

Representatives of the European Commission introduced the relevant legislative initiatives, including the ongoing revision of the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive, the Digital Services Act, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and a Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. The attendees also acknowledged the pivotal role of the digital industry and financial sectors in addressing the risks of trafficking in human beings and exploitation.

Members of ICAT underlined the responsibilities of States in preventing and combating human trafficking, including appropriate regulation, in a meaningful partnership with the private sector, and presented published and forthcoming research and tools that can support the relevant efforts.

The discussions touched upon the role of companies, trade unions, employers’, and consumers’ organisations, as well as the public sector. In view of the important role that the private sector plays in fighting trafficking in persons, the meeting called for a constructive engagement to ensure an effective and comprehensive partnership with the private sector.