In May, KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, the Hellenic Police and the Center for Security Studies (KEMEA), trained 150 frontline professionals across Greece on identifying, investigating, and responding to cases of human trafficking, with a particular focus on labour exploitation. . Participants included officials from law enforcement, prosecution services, labour inspectorates, financial intelligence units, and civil society organisations.
The specialised training sessions were conducted in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Alexandroupolis, as part of the ERADICATING-II project. During these sessions, a specially designed training curriculum was used, and two pocket guides were presented — one for frontline professionals and one for the general public. These guides contain essential information about human trafficking and its impact on fundamental rights, key indicators for identification, and practical advice. The guides will soon be available on the KMOP’s website and in printed form in seven languages (Greek, English, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, German, and Slovenian).
Participants were familiarised with key indicators such as violations of labour conditions, unsafe living arrangements, retention of identification documents, and situations of debt bondage. These tools are vital for recognising and supporting victims effectively.
Special emphasis was placed on displaced populations, particularly refugees from Ukraine, who are at an increased risk of exploitation. According to data from UNHCR – Ukraine Protection Analysis Update (July 2024), over 6.5 million refugees have been registered, with 91% seeking asylum in Europe.
The training programme combined theoretical knowledge with interactive methods and hands-on exercises, enhancing participants’ ability to implement effective field interventions. Aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration, the sessions also served as a platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices among labour inspectors, Hellenic Police officers, prosecutors, and representatives from social and humanitarian organisations.
About the Project
The training activities in Greece took place within the framework of the EU co-funded project titled: “ERADICATING II – Enhancing pRevention AnD multI-agenCy cooperAtion against labour TraffickING”, funded by the ISFP (Internal Security Fund Police) / THB (Trafficking in Human Beings) programme. KMOP, the Hellenic Police, and KEMEA are consortium partners in this initiative.
The project focuses on equipping professionals with the tools to identify, protect, and refer victims of labour exploitation, with special attention to the needs of women, children, and Ukrainian refugees. It also promotes stronger cooperation among relevant stakeholders to enhance investigation and prosecution efforts at both national and cross-border levels — ultimately aiming to reduce exploitation and better safeguard human rights.
🔗 Learn more at: www.eradicating2project.eu