A review of the commitment and an outlook on future challenges
It won’t work without relief measures!
At the beginning of June 2025, the Platform Against Exploitation and Human Trafficking celebrated its tenth anniversary. For an entire day, the focus was on civil engagement. The programme impressively demonstrated how far civil society has come in the debate and fight against exploitation and human trafficking – and at the same time, how much still remains to be done. The event brought together representatives from politics, administration and international organisations, as well as individuals committed to the fight against injustice, to take stock, discuss current challenges and focus on concrete future prospects for those affected.
The celebrations took place as a two-part programme: in the morning, the focus was on educational work and direct awareness-raising with school classes. This was followed in the afternoon by a conference with specialist presentations and a high-profile panel discussion. The event was characterised by respectful exchange, professional depth and a common goal: to improve the situation of those affected by exploitation and human trafficking in Austria and beyond.
Morning: Prevention through education – working with school leaving classes
The first part of the day was specifically dedicated to prevention work. The platform had invited several school leaving classes to work with them on the topic of human trafficking. The aim was to sensitise young people to the often invisible forms of modern exploitation. Experience clearly shows that it is never too early to start raising awareness of inhumane behaviour.
The workshops provided space for reflection, questions and discussion.
This work with young people is a central concern of the platform, which has been continuously active in educational work over the last ten years. Only through early awareness can a society emerge that recognises, names and combats exploitation in the long term.
Afternoon: Conference section with an international perspective and a national need for action
After the lunch break, the second part of the event began: the afternoon conference not only provided space for review and appreciation, but above all for professional input, exchange of experiences and reminders of the concrete steps that need to be taken!
Guests began chatting over coffee and sweet pastries during the informal arrival at 1:30 p.m., while organisations presented their work at several information tables – from counselling centres to victim protection facilities to international networks. We at Hope for the Future were also represented, of course, and displayed beautiful sewing products made by our clients on a sales table.
At 2 p.m., Katharina Beclin, coordinator of the platform, officially opened the conference. In her speech, she gave an impressive summary of the last ten years: from few committed individuals at the beginning, the platform has developed into a recognised, nationwide and internationally networked alliance. Particular emphasis was placed on successes in awareness-raising, political influence and the establishment of victim protection structures. But it quickly became clear that we are still a long way from achieving our goal. Exploitation is not an exception in Austria – it is a reality for many people, day after day. And too many victims remain without protection, without rights, without prospects.
A central topic was the question of future prospects for those affected. Victims of human trafficking not only need short-term protection, but also long-term stability, access to housing, work and the right to stay. Only then can true reintegration and a self-determined life become possible.
International perspectives: insights from Europe
The first expert presentation was given by Ia Dadunashvili, Gender Equality Rapporteur of GRETA (Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings) of the Council of Europe. She provided a well-founded overview of developments in Europe and highlighted the political and structural measures already being implemented in other countries – and where there are shortcomings. She particularly emphasised the importance of a human rights-based approach that not only focuses on criminal prosecution but also consistently places the protection of those affected at the centre.
Dadunashvili also made it clear that the challenges are similar everywhere: lack of coordination between authorities, restrictive migration policies, limited access to justice and support services. This is precisely why exchange between countries, civil society organisations and international institutions is so important.
National realities: support and obstacles in Austria
Ambassador Georg Stillfried, Head of Section at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and National Coordinator against Human Trafficking, then gave an overview of Austria’s measures in this area. He referred to the existing National Action Plan against Human Trafficking, the role of coordination mechanisms and the involvement of civil society partners. Stillfried emphasised that Austria is committed to comprehensive victim protection, but also stressed the complexity of the legal and administrative framework. Attentive listeners quickly realised that no concrete measures or steps were offered or named. Instead, a kind of summary was presented, which the expert participants felt fell far short of what was needed.
Caritas legal advisor Maryam Alemi then took a critical look at the residence status of those affected. She spoke of a tension between protection and status: although protective measures exist in theory, in practice many of those affected are permanently trapped in precarious living situations due to uncertain residence status, restrictive interpretation of paragraphs and bureaucratic hurdles. Access to asylum procedures, residence permits and integration into the labour market is effectively blocked for many – with serious consequences for their sense of security, their health and their future prospects.
Panel discussion: Creating prospects – but how?
After a short coffee break, the concluding panel discussion began at 4 p.m. Moderated by Irene Brickner (Der Standard), representatives from academia, practice and international institutions discussed the topic: ‘Long-term residence and access to the labour market as prospects for the future?’
The panel of experts:
- Ia Dadunashvili, GRETA
- Bärbel Heidi Uhl, expert for European anti-human trafficking politics
- Carola Luengo Espinoza, LEFÖ-IBF
- Markus Zingerle, MEN VIA – support for male victims
- Maryam Alemi, Caritas legal advisor
- Julia Koffl, federal prosecutor Vienna
The discussion was nuanced, engaging and, at times, emotional. It was emphasised several times that access to long-term residence and legal work is a crucial factor in victim protection – not only for humanitarian reasons, but also for practical reasons. This applies both to the individuals affected and to the countries where they “end up”. Without prospects, many victims fall into new exploitative situations or disappear from the support systems. They flee and hide or fall back into an exploitative trap.
Carola Luengo Espinoza from LEFÖ-IBF emphasised that female victims in particular are often burdened multiple times – by migration, sexual violence, poverty and exclusion. A right of residence that is linked to a willingness to testify in criminal proceedings is not an option for many: “Safety must not be linked to cooperation with the justice system.”
Markus Zingerle brought in the perspective of male victims, which is often overlooked. Particularly in the area of labour exploitation – for example in agriculture, construction or logistics – many men are affected who lack support services or who do not seek help out of shame.
Bärbel Heide Uhl emphasised the responsibility of EU states to implement the right to protection regardless of residence status. Europe needs more uniform standards and a clear separation between migration policy and victim protection.
Conclusion: Ten years of commitment – and a clear mandate for the future
The anniversary event of the Platform against Exploitation and Human Trafficking was not only a review of ten years of dedicated work, but also an important impulse for the future. It showed how closely issues of protection, law, integration and political responsibility are intertwined – and that combating human trafficking goes far beyond criminal prosecution.
The numerous contributions made it clear that anyone who is serious about protecting victims must grant them rights, not just offer help. Structural reforms, legal certainty and social solidarity are needed. The platform has achieved a great deal in its first ten years – but its cause is more relevant today than ever.
The anniversary sent a clear signal: the fight against exploitation is a task for society as a whole – and it begins with listening, taking victims seriously and taking consistent action to protect their rights.
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