Trafficking in human beings, especially children, is a cruel, multifaceted, and constantly evolving threat.
- In 2024, 465 new cases were reported to the National Reporting Mechanism in Greece, 99 of which involved children.
- Most children were recruited in their countries of origin, while extensive use of social media and new technologies is recorded.
- Many children were found living in exploitative conditions, often in homes with adults posing as parents or guardians.
As perpetrators’ tactics evolve, maintaining constant awareness and access to up-to-date, effective tools is essential to combat child trafficking.
The SAFE BORDERS project, co-funded by the EU and implemented in eight EU Member States—including Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Belgium, Finland, and Portugal—as well as in Western Balkan countries, aims to strengthen the expertise of judicial authorities and frontline professionals, with a focus on child protection.
The project includes:
✓ Capacity building of judicial authorities and frontline professionals.
✓ Strengthening cross-border cooperation
✓ Development of an AI platform to improve the identification of criminal networks and the protection of vulnerable groups
✓ Public information and awareness-raising activities
Learn more about the actions of the SAFE BORDERS project in the following video
Learn more about the actions funded by the European Commission under the Internal Security Fund programme to tackle organised crime, including trafficking in human beings in the following information material.
