The crime of human trafficking for labour exploitation remains largely under detected, which in turn deprives its victims from protecting their rights under the European Convention on action against trafficking in human beings. The inter-institutional co-operation of the anti-trafficking actors is considered essential for the effective detection of human trafficking for labour exploitation and the proactive identification and protection of its victims.

In this framework, from 19 to 21 February 2024, in Strumica, North Macedonia, the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Strengthening anti - trafficking action in North Macedonia” delivered a multi-disciplinary training to thirty labour inspectors, police officers, social workers and NGO representatives on detection and investigation of the crime of human trafficking for labour exploitation, by applying a victim-centred approach.

Through a simulation exercise based on a case study, the participants learned about and applied the use of indicators and standard operative procedures to detect and deal with cases of human trafficking for labour exploitation. Good practices from Finland regarding the role of the labour inspectors and multi-disciplinary co-operation on combating labour trafficking were presented and discussed.

“The co-operation between labour inspectors and police is essential to gather intelligence and build a case on human trafficking for labour exploitation. Being attentive to victims and protecting their rights is equally, if not more important, in this type of cases. In Finland we successfully dealt with several cases of human trafficking for labour exploitation involving foreign nationals, who lived in appalling conditions and were not, or were just little paid.” shared with the participants Katja-Pia Jenu, Finnish labour inspector, who greatly contributed to the capacity building of the labour inspectors in North Macedonia on labour exploitation.

The action on “Strengthening anti - trafficking action in North Macedonia” is part of the  European Union/Council of Europe joint Programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye (Horizontal Facility III) . It is supporting local authorities in the process of strengthening the legislation, policy, and is contributing in improving criminal justice response to trafficking in human beings through capacity building and research.