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Human Trafficking

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The transition to independent life often begins without sufficient support and with an increased risk of exploitation.

A transition without support: how young people leaving care face the risk of exploitation

The European Commission presented the new Gender Equality Strategy until 2030. This article outlines the main priorities and their relevance for Bulgaria.

EU Gender Equality Strategy (2026–2030): priorities and policy direction

Dignita maps vulnerabilities to labour exploitation in Kardzhali and Shumen and outlines steps for safer migration to the Netherlands.

Vulnerabilities to Labour Exploitation: Field Insights from Kardzhali and Shumen

Dignita launches a new project supported by the Bulgarian Fund for Women aimed at preventing trafficking for sexual exploitation and strengthening protection for women and girls at risk.

Stronger Together: Access to Rights and Empowerment

Presenting new training recourses for institutional capacity building in labour exploitations prevention

How Institutions Can More Effectively Counter Labour Trafficking

On 9 October 2025 GRETA published its fourth evaluation report on Bulgaria, covering the period 2020–2024.

GRETA’s Fourth Evaluation Report on Bulgaria Highlights Key Vulnerabilities and the Role of Civil Society

Dignita Foundation, with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands, presents the results of “Breaking the Chain”

EU Anti-Trafficking Day: Prevention Begins with Awareness and Community Work

More than 20 professionals from child social services in Sofia took part in a training focused on early prevention of trafficking among youth in residential care. A new initiative is now underway.

Vulnerability and Prevention of Exploitation in Residential Care

Child trafficking is still a critical issue in Bulgaria, especially among children in institutional care. This article shares insights from Dignita’s participation in the SafeBorders initiative and our work to prevent exploitation where it starts.

When Children Disappear in the System: A Glimpse into Child Trafficking

Dignita and the Center for the Study of Democracy trained over 80 Bulgarian professionals to improve institutional response to labour trafficking.

Institutional Trainings to Counter Labour Trafficking: Building Capacity for Prevention and Victim Identification

The statistics reveal key trends, risk groups, and factors influencing human trafficking across the European Union.

New Data from Eurostat on Human Trafficking in the European Union

The report explores the systemic gaps in Bulgaria’s protection of Ukrainian refugees, offering concrete recommendations for prevention.

Vulnerability and Risk Factors for Human Trafficking Among Ukrainian Refugees in Bulgaria

Bulgarian migrants in the Netherlands often face labor exploitation and lack of protection. Learn about the main risks, how to protect yourself.

Risks for Bulgarian Migrants in the Netherlands

The latest study under the Eradicating II project reveals that thousands of Ukrainian refugees still face a high risk of labor exploitation

Are Ukrainian Refugees in the EU Protected from Labor Exploitation?

In 2022, 10,093 victims of human trafficking were officially registered in the European Union, with over 40% subjected to labor exploitation. Unfortunately, the real number of victims is likely much higher, as many cases remain undetected. This year, the European Union has taken a major step toward promoting sustainable and responsible corporate behavior. In July [&hellip;]

Directive 2024/1760: The European Union Takes Action to Protect Workers’ Rights

In November, the Dignita Foundation held the tenth edition of its Women’s Circle for Empowerment of Ukrainian Refugees, in partnership with the Situational Center “Open Doors” Foundation. This special event brought together a team of experts and 20 women from Ukraine with the aim of providing valuable information about their labor rights in Bulgaria, opportunities [&hellip;]

Empowering Ukrainian Refugee Women: The 10th Women’s Circle for Integration and Protection from Human Trafficking

Dignita Foundation has adopted its Child Rights Protection Policy, approved by the organization&#8217;s Board of Directors.

Dignita Foundation’s Child Rights Protection Policy

The risk factors for trafficking in Roma communities were studied in “Druzhba,” Novi Pazar, and “Karmen,” Kazanlak.

“Dignita” Presents Two Studies on Gender-Based Violence in Segregated Roma Communities

Dignita’s recommendations to the A/HRC/56/48 report from the UN Special Rapporteur about state support and gender sensitive approach

Dignita Foundation contributed to recommendations from the UN Special Rapporteur for State Policies Against Exploitation in Prostitution

On July 30, World Day Against Human Trafficking 2024, Dignita Foundation highlights child trafficking risks and advocates for stronger protective policies.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024: “Leave No Child Trapped in Trafficking”

As part of the ERADICATING II project, Dignita held advisory women&#8217;s circles in Varna, working with refugee women to assess risk factors.

Dignita Foundation Conducts Advisory Women’s Circles in Varna

The revised EU Directive on combating human trafficking broadens protections and introduces new forms of exploitation and penalties.

Updated Directive 2011/36/EU is Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking and Protecting Victims

The analysis aims to protect Ukrainian refugees from labor exploitation and to support training for government agencies and specialists working with vulnerable groups.

Dignita Conducts a Risk Assessment on Human Trafficking Among Ukrainian Refugees as Part of the ERADICATING II Project

&#8220;Dignita&#8221; Foundation launched consultative women&#8217;s circles with Ukrainian refugees, focusing on their integration and protection from labor exploitation.

Consultative Women’s Circles Within the ERADICATING II Project to Support the Integration of Ukrainian Refugees

The Dignita Foundation event, with the participation of institutions and NGOs, examined key risks of human trafficking and gender-based violence in marginalized communities.

Roundtable on Empowering Health Mediators and Women from Roma Communities Against Violence and Trafficking

Dignita Foundation held a meeting with crisis centers and social services to introduce its program for legal assistance and empowerment of trafficking victims.

Presentation of a Support Program for Trafficking Victims to Crisis Centers and Social Assistance Directorates Nationwide

“Krachunova v. Bulgaria,” supported by Dignita, was named a key case of 2023 by the ECHR, advancing the rights of trafficking victims under Article 4.

“Krachunova v. Bulgaria” – Landmark ECHR Case for Trafficking Victims’ Rights, Supported by Dignita

Training sessions for health mediators and Roma community women to improve recognition of gender-based violence and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Training for Health Mediators on Recognizing Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation

Review of compensation models for victims of trafficking in Bulgaria, with recommendations for enhanced access to compensation, authored by Associate Professor Dr. Iva Pushkarova.

Analysis of Compensation Models for Victims of Human Trafficking in Bulgaria

Dignita’s event shared an updated analysis of risky job listings targeting Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria, outlining key indicators of exploitation risk in popular sectors.

Dignita’s Analysis of Risky Job Listings for Ukrainian Refugees in Bulgaria

Dignita and the French Embassy organized discussions on support labor market integration and protect against exploitation.

Empowering Women’s Circle by Dignita Supports Ukrainian Refugees in Varna

Dignita supports essential amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act and provides key recommendations for more effective protection and support for victims.

Dignita’s Statement on Amendments to the Domestic Violence Protection Act

Dignita held a round table in Sofia on the prevention of trafficking among Ukrainian refugee women, presenting findings from an analysis of job listings targeting Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria.

Round Table on “Prevention of Human Trafficking Among Ukrainian Women in Bulgaria”

A precedent-setting case presented by Natasha Dobreva at the ECHR seeks to establish victims’ right to compensation for trafficking-related harm.

Presentation of a Precedent-Setting Case for Trafficking Victims at the ECHR – Dignita’s Participation in a Council of Europe Conference

The report assesses vulnerabilities and risks of trafficking and exploitation of Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria and offers recommendations for their protection.

Dignita Develops Analysis on Human Trafficking Risks for Ukrainian Refugees in Europe

CACIAF provides access to crucial documents for a civil case brought by a trafficking victim to prove unlawful enrichment through exploitation.

Natasha Dobreva Wins Court Case for Access to CACIAF Information in Human Trafficking Case

Dignita organizes Women’s Circles for refugees with support from the Active Citizens Fund and community organizations.

Women’s Circles in Varna and Sofia: Labor Rights and Protection from Exploitation for Ukrainian Refugee Women

The Dignita Foundation organized training sessions in Varna to empower and protect Ukrainian refugee women against trafficking and violence, with support from UNHCR and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Empowering Ukrainian Refugee Women in Varna Against Trafficking and Violence

An initiative supporting labor integration and preventing labor exploitation of Ukrainian refugee women.

Employers Open Doors for Ukrainian Refugees with New Opportunities for Labor Integration and Protection

The analytical report systematizes support for labor integration and protection of Ukrainian refugee women in Bulgaria from exploitation.

Dignita Holds Empowerment Circles for Ukrainian Refugee Women and Prepares Analytical Report

The current wording of the Penal Code disadvantages crime victims, particularly those trafficked for sexual exploitation.

Constitutional Court Reviews Penal Code’s Impact on Trafficking Victims

The Plan covers measures to prevent, raise awareness of, and protect potential victims of human trafficking among Ukrainian refugees.

EU Introduces Special Anti-Trafficking Plan for Ukrainian Refugees in Europe

The Bulgarian legislature still refuses compensation for damages from human trafficking because of a law in the Criminal Code.

Sofia Court Denies Compensation for Human Trafficking Damages Due to Moral Presumption

The analysis exposes the risks of trafficking among sex workers in Bulgaria, underscoring the need for specialized support and protection.

Dignita Report Examines Trafficking Risks Among Sex Workers in Northwestern Bulgaria

Awareness meetings in Northwestern Bulgaria regarding trafficking and exploitation risks

Dignita Informs Sex Workers About the Risks of Trafficking and Exploitation

Kamelia Dimitrova met with key state and NGO leaders, strengthening international cooperation against human trafficking.

Dignita Expands its Cooperation in the International Fight Against Human Trafficking

Dignita provides legal assistance for a trafficking victim at the ECHR to claim compensation for lost earnings and protect her rights against exploitation.

Legal Assistance for a Victim of Human Trafficking at the European Court of Human Rights

Dignita launches a program to protect sex workers from human trafficking and exploitation, providing support and knowledge on their rights

Program to Support Sex Workers in Protecting Against Trafficking and Exploitation

Violence prevention training in Galiche helps local women recognize and respond to gender-based violence.

Dignita Works with Women from the Village of Galiche to Recognize Gender-Based Violence

Dignita’s Galiche initiative trains girls to spot and prevent violence and trafficking.

Dignita Empowers Girls in the Village of Galiche to Recognize Gender-Based Violence

Dignita&#8217;s meeting with the Swiss Ambassador focused on Bulgaria’s anti-trafficking efforts and private sector support for victims.

Challenges in the Fight Against Human Trafficking in the Context of the Global Pandemic, Discussed with the Ambassador of Switzerland in Bulgaria

The COVID-19 crisis has worsened conditions for trafficking victims and those with addictions, reducing their access to support and increasing their vulnerability. Learn more about the pandemic&#8217;s impact on these groups.