The morals of society need to be changed in order to cut back on human trafficking – said Minister of State László Felkai. He emphasised that the knowledge and earnest work of professionals is not enough to maintain a well-organised system that helps the victims of human trafficking, as the victims themselves also need to cooperate with the helpers.

The aim of the Ministry of Interior’s EU project entitled “Referral of and assistance for victims of human trafficking in Europe” is to provide help for those who have suffered sexual or work-related exploitation.

As part of the project, a conference is being held at the Ministry of Interior, where international organisations and EU member states can share and learn best practices relating to assisting and managing the victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a serious type of organised crime and one of the most oppressive ways of violating human rights. Hundreds of thousands of people are being held captive within the European Union – that is why it is important to fight against it and help the victims, European Anti-Trafficking Coordinator of the European Commission Myria Vassiliandou said in her video message.
She emphasised that the underlying reasons must also be unearthed, adding that human trafficking is a very “profitable” kind of crime, generating 2.5 million Euros in annual profits for criminals.

The Coordinator also added that without clients, human trafficking would not exist at all. The sexual exploitation of an adult or child can only take place if there is demand. The duty of the European Union is also to cut back the demand, Ms. Vassiliandou added.

The aim of the project is to create an international mechanism between Belgium and the Netherlands and Hungary to help victims, since these two countries are the main destinations for Hungarian victims. The project also aims to increase trust and understanding between law-enforcement authorities and NGOs in the interest of helping the victims of human trafficking.

(Ministry of Interior)