ICMPD experts, partners highlight victim-centred support systems; engaging survivors to improve anti-trafficking response, referral mechanisms

The meeting was preceded by a joint roundtable of the Network members and Bulgarian anti-trafficking stakeholders dedicated to the cross-border cooperation and the effective protection to the victims of trafficking, including third-country nationals (15 October 2026).

Officials and delegates highlighted victim assistance and transnational referral mechanisms, ensuring that anti-trafficking responses are victim-centred and trauma-informed; and how survivors' experiences and perspectives can help shape more effective prevention, identification and protection policies. “Trafficking in human beings does not stop at national borders. But too often, the protection of victims still does,” Daniela Saveklieva, Secretary of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, for the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, emphasised in her opening remarks.

Participants exchanged national experiences and explored different models of survivor participation and identify challenges, safeguards, and practical solutions. ICMPD’s Anti-Trafficking Team Lead Madis Vainomaa and Technical Specialist Ivanka Hainzl spoke at sessions on transnational referrals, access to remedies, and international protection for migrant workers and third-country nationals; and advancing cross-border cooperation and victim referral through coordination mechanisms and national focal points.

Mr Vainomaa and Ms Hainzl joined senior officials representing members of the Network, including Ms Ernesta Rouseva and Ms Antoaneta Dimitrova, Chief Experts at the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) of Bulgaria; Dr Gregor Hudrič, Anti-Trafficking Coordinator at the Ministry of Interior and Public Administration of Slovenia; and Ms Tjaša Škreblin, Secretary at the Directorate for Migration and Internal Administrative Affairs of Slovenia. Also present were Mr Vuk Raičević, Protection Advisor of the EU4FAST, for the GIZ in Serbia; Ms Maria Kirdan, from the ODIHR’s International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC) and Ms Alessia Vedano, Anti-Trafficking Adviser at OSCE/ODIHR. Ms Manca Raušl, Vice-President of Slovenia’s Society Ključ, joined the meeting remotely.

“If we want our policies and protection systems to be truly effective, we must be willing to listen to those who have experienced trafficking and learn from their perspectives,” Ms Rouseva of Bulgaria’s NCCTHB said. While practical challenges remain in systems intersection and coordination within and across countries, Ms Rouseva cited Bulgaria’s National Mechanism for Referral and Support of Trafficked Persons and how it provides a common framework for institutions and organisations. These include, among many, clear steps for first-level identification and early-action, shared principles and operating procedures, risk- and needs-assessment, regulating the steps to ensure that adequate assistance and support are provided to victims, and referral and reintegration support.

In her presentation, Ms Dimitrova, also from the NCCTHB, added that migration status should not become a barrier to protection; as [people] may be navigating several pathways for protection or labour at the same time. She also added that no single institution, and often not one single country, holds the whole picture; rather, this should be multiple layers of support that includes law enforcement for investigation, migration and labour authorities, NGOs for protection and assistance, referral mechanisms in-country, and with partner countries for cross-border continuity.

Ms Hainzl presented practical approaches and tools for cross-border cooperation; and also provided updates of the Network’s survey on human trafficking for forced criminality, which was run earlier this year. 

Human trafficking remains a highly transnational crime, requiring coordinated responses that place victims' rights and needs at the centre of anti-trafficking efforts. The revised EU Anti-Trafficking Directive has introduces new opportunities to further strengthen victim protection through safe referral and cross-border cooperation.

As Europe marked the EU Anti-Trafficking Day this year, the discussions in Sofia served as a reminder that effective protection requires more than identification or formal procedures. It depends on timely assistance, access to rights, cooperation across institutions and borders, and the involvement of those whose experiences can help improve protection systems.

The two-year window given to the European Union Member States to incorporate the Directive into national legislations closed on 15 July 2026. These developments provide a timely opportunity for the Network to exchange experiences related to protection of victims, identify common challenges and promote more coherent regional responses.