The International Organization for Migration (IOM Lithuania) presents a new website aimed at combating human trafficking: www.prekybazmonemis.lt

“This website is designed to inform people about human trafficking crimes. It provides preventative information with the primary goal of protecting potential victims so that they do not fall into criminal networks. Worldwide, it is estimated that around 50 million people live under conditions of modern slavery—a staggering number that encompasses various forms of exploitation. Human trafficking is not limited to sexual slavery or forced participation in criminal activities; it can also include human rights violations such as exploitative working conditions and unpaid wages. In Lithuania, immigrants from the Eastern Bloc are increasingly falling victim, as traffickers take advantage of the helplessness and severe psychological and emotional state of people fleeing war or poor political and economic conditions. Our aim is to educate the public and help recognize these cases in our immediate environment. After all, it is always better to address the causes rather than just the consequences,” said Dalia Kedavičienė, Program Coordinator of the Assistance to Migrants and Crisis Management Department at IOM Lithuania.

It is estimated that between 2020 and 2022, over 200,000 people worldwide became victims of human trafficking. Of these, 62 percent are adults, and 34 percent are children. According to global statistics from 2022, the majority—61 percent—of human trafficking crime victims are women and girls. Most often, women suffer from crimes of a sexual nature; about 66 percent, while a quarter fall victim to deceptive labor relations, and another 10 percent become victims of other forms of crime. The statistics indicate that the highest proportion of people who become victims of human trafficking crimes are from Africa—31 percent. Inhabitants of Asia and Europe become victims less frequently, at 24 percent each, while residents of North and South America face the lowest risk, with about 16 percent falling into criminal networks.

The website www.prekybazmonemis.lt provides information about human trafficking crimes and victim testimonies. It also features a test that individuals can take to assess whether they might be at risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking. “Our goal is to provide as much detailed information as possible so that people do not fall into these criminal networks and can evaluate whether they are at risk. In addition, IOM organizes training for institutions and organizations aimed at identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking,” added D. Kedavičienė.

As migration flows increase, human trafficking is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. Victims can be both Lithuanians and citizens arriving in Lithuania from other countries. Being forced into prostitution, working under degrading conditions, or being compelled to commit crimes can leave psychological traumas that last a lifetime.

As D. Kedavičienė advises, when seeking new employment it is essential to inquire whether the organization is legal, whether the salary is adequate, and under no circumstances should you hand over the original of your personal documents to an employer. If you are engaging in a long-distance romantic relationship, before visiting an unfamiliar person, make sure you know where you are going, and leave information about your intended accommodation with relatives or friends. If you believe you have become a victim of human trafficking, or if you have witnessed exploitation in your surroundings, help is available at any time: https://prekybazmonemis.lt/.