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

Dignita Foundation, in partnership with the Center for Study of Democracy, organized two specialized anti-trafficking trainings for frontline professionals, labour inspectors, and law enforcement officers in Sofia and Arbanasi. The sessions focused on strengthening institutional response to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation which is a growing concern across Europe.

In a time when labour trafficking cases are on the rise, particularly across the EU, the need for effective and coordinated institutional action has never been more urgent. According to Eurostat data from 2023, a total of 10,793 victims of trafficking were registered across the EU (a 6.9% increase from 2022, and the highest recorded number since 2008). Read the full Eurostat report.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity to Address Trafficking in Human Beings

Over 80 participants from across Bulgaria took part in the training events. These included experts from:

• Ministry of Interior:
  • General Directorate of Border Police
  • General Directorate for Combatting Organised Crime
  • General Directorate National Police
  • Migration Directorate
  • Regional Police Departments
• National Investigation Service
• State Agency for National Security (SANS)
• Executive Agency General Labour Inspectorate and its regional offices
• Social Assistance Agency and its local branches
• NGOs and humanitarian organizations working with vulnerable communities

The training created space for shared learning and practical guidance on how to better identify trafficking risks, apply victim-centred approaches, and strengthen multi-agency coordination. This investment in institutional knowledge directly improves early detection and the overall protection framework for victims.

Tackling the Real-World Challenges of Trafficking Prevention

The training programme offered a comprehensive and interactive approach combining expert presentations, case-based group work, and peer exchange. The sessions covered real challenges on the ground and highlighted how national and international actors can cooperate more effectively.

Key topics addressed included:

• The legal framework and barriers to effective enforcement
• Specific risks for Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals
• Victim-centred and trauma-informed approaches
• International cooperation and promising practices
• Digital forensics and financial investigations
• Asset recovery and confiscation of criminal proceeds
• Referral and coordination mechanisms
• Available support services for victims

🗂️ Access the Training Presentations on Google Drive

Part of a Long-Term Strategy for Sustainable Change

For Dignita Foundation, these trainings are not isolated events but part of a comprehensive approach to building sustainable institutional capacity in Bulgaria. As part of the system for prevention and counteraction of human trafficking, Dignita works in close cooperation with institutions and organizations at all levels through advocacy, analysis, policy consulting, and participation in legislative processes

The fight against trafficking has no end date. It demands long-term commitment, multi-sector cooperation, and persistent efforts at all levels of society. These training sessions were part of the ERADICATING II Project – Enhancing Prevention and Multi-Agency Cooperation Against Labour Trafficking – Enhancing Prevention and Multi-Agency Cooperation Against Labour Trafficking, a Europe-wide initiative aimed at improving prevention and institutional coordination.