Spain takes part in campaign against people trafficking run by European Crime Prevention Network

People trafficking is a crime suffered by millions of people around the world engaged in by international mafias that take advantage of vulnerability. In light of evidence revealing that many victims are unaware of their rights or aren't even aware they are victims of trafficking and exploitation crimes (sexual, labour or forced begging), European countries are coordinating themselves through EUCPN and EUROPOL to prepare an information campaign funded by the European Union Internal Security Fund aimed at informing victims about their rights: the right to assistance and support; the right to protection and compensation; human and employment rights; the right to reintegration; the right to a period of re-establishment and reflection; and the right to a residence permit.

The campaign consists of printed and audio-visual material for social media that will be distributed in all participating countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain).

In order to achieve the highest possible profile for the campaign, assistance is being asked of all authorities, diplomatic representations, organisations, associations and citizens so that the message can be especially visible in places frequented by potential victims of people trafficking, such as transport infrastructures and means of transportation, leisure business and shopping centres, service stations, etc.

The contact details being provided for the victims of people trafficking are the telephone number 900 105 090 and the email addresses trata@policia.es and trata@guardiacivil.es, which are monitored 24 hours a day by specialised staff. The Spanish Guardia Civil also offers the telephone number 062.

People trafficking and exploitation are two crimes that are often associated but that present significant differences between them. People trafficking implies the removal of somebody from their normal living environment through trickery, violence or any abuse of a situation of vulnerability. That removal involves a broad range of activities, such as relocation, accommodation or transfer of control, and they represent one of the most serious violations of human rights and dignity.

On the other hand, exploitation involves forcing someone to engage in prostitution or continue to do so, as well as imposing employment conditions through trickery or abuse that prejudice, restrict or remove the rights to which all workers are entitled.

The goal of the campaign is aimed at all such victims and potential victims so that they become aware of their rights and trust the authorities.

The EUCPN website contains more information about the campaign. The material is also available on the Twitter accounts and other channels that EUCPN has on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Non official translation