Latvia Marks EU Anti-Trafficking Day with Renewed Awareness Campaign

Latvia Observes EU Anti-Trafficking Day

Today, October 18, Latvia joins other European Union member states in observing EU Anti-Trafficking Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices in combating this crime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is continuing its comprehensive information campaign to educate the public on the risks associated with human trafficking.

The day serves to commemorate victims and advance the collective fight against human trafficking, a crime that remains a significant concern across Europe.

'Don't Let Yourself Be Used' Campaign Continues

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing information campaign, titled 'Don't Let Yourself Be Used' or 'Working Abroad', aims to draw public attention to the dangers of human trafficking, illegal employment, and unwitting involvement in the transport of narcotics and illegal migrants. This initiative is particularly crucial as Latvian citizens continue to seek employment opportunities abroad.

The MFA frequently encounters situations where Latvian nationals, often unknowingly, become part of organized crime networks by agreeing to transport individuals or packages of unknown content for payment. International organized crime groups actively recruit Latvian citizens on social media, offering tempting job prospects as transporters in various European countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, and Serbia. These roles often involve forcing individuals to illegally transport immigrants from countries such as Iran and Syria into the European Union.

Campaign materials are being disseminated across Latvia through websites and social media, supported by the State Employment Agency and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments.

Latvia's Efforts and Identified Victims

Latvia has intensified its efforts to combat human trafficking. In 2024, authorities identified 38 trafficking victims, a notable increase from 22 victims identified in 2023. These victims included 16 cases of sex trafficking and 22 cases of labor trafficking. Of those identified in 2024, 26 were foreign nationals and 9 were Latvian citizens, with 5 exploited abroad and 4 within Latvia. Additionally, four child trafficking victims were identified in 2024, compared to one in 2023.

Labor trafficking cases involving foreign nationals from countries like Tajikistan and India have seen an increase. The most common forms of trafficking identified in Latvia include labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, and exploitative sham marriages. Vulnerable sectors include construction, agriculture, logging, food production, and catering. While physical violence has become less frequent, traffickers increasingly use psychological control methods such as blackmail, manipulation, and threats.

For assistance, victims and concerned individuals can contact the State Police at 112, the society 'Shelter 'Safe House'' at +371 67898343 or +371 28612120, or the Marta Centre at +371 67378539.

European Context and Future Initiatives

Across the EU, over 83,000 trafficking victims were registered in the last decade (2013-2023), with sexual exploitation remaining the primary form. However, cases of labor exploitation have surged by 70.5% since 2019, matching the number of registered victims for sexual exploitation in 2022.

As part of Latvia's ongoing commitment, a seminar focusing on cooperation in the aviation sector to prevent human trafficking is scheduled to take place at Rīga Airport on October 24.