Support to persons exploited important in the fight against human trafficking

From a European perspective, Sweden stands out in the statistics. Despite the widespread prevalence of trafficking in human beings, very few cases lead to trial and even fewer to conviction. 

"We identify too few victims of crime in Sweden and receive international criticism for the fact that too few people obtain redress for what they have been exposed to. This is a major problem," says Janna Davidsson, national rapporteur on issues related to trafficking in human beings at the Swedish Police Authority.

Expert knowledge is required to use Swedish law

The fact that the law is difficult to interpret is highlighted as a reason for few convictions. Anna Sonnsjö, researcher in criminal law at Lund University, has investigated trafficking for sexual purposes. She highlights the evidentiary difficulties as a challenge:

"In order to be convicted of human trafficking, three requirements must be met, including that there is an intention to exploit a human being. But it is difficult to interpret and determine.  Therefore, we need to develop the competence of the police and the courts."

Traffickers in human being can make big money

There are large unreported figures when it comes to human trafficking, which is described as an organized and cross-border crime.

"These are extremely cruel crimes. And crime is moving fast. If we don't move forward, we will soon go backwards," says Johan Olsson, head of the National Operations Department, at the Swedish Police Authority.

The Swedish minister for Gender Equality, Paulina Brandberg highlights the economic forces behind trafficking in human being:

"It's a lucrative business with great opportunities for good profits. There is a low risk of being discovered and convicted of a crime. This is used by organized networks and the victims' fear of reprisals makes it difficult to get out."

Support to victims important for prosecuting perpetrators

People who are victims of trafficking in human beings often live in an extreme vulnerability characterized by poor health, poverty, violence, and abuse. They need a lot of support from society to dare and be able to participate in a possible legal process.

"We need to ensure a victim centred perspective to reverse this negative trend. Therefore, we need to identify the exploited persons and provide them support. This requires more extensive outreach activities in Sweden, not least online among young people," says Frida Nohlås, Head of Unit for the National Coordination Against Prostitution and Human Trafficking at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency.

About the conference

The conference From words to action was organised by the Swedish Gender Equality Agency and the Swedish Police Authority in Gothenburg on 18 October 2024 and brought together around 250 people working against human trafficking, including police officers, regional coordinators, social service staff and representatives of civil society. A further 180 people participated digitally. The conference to become an annual event.