Regional Conference on Addressing Trafficking in Persons for Sexual and Labour Exploitation
in South-Eastern Europe: Challenges, Promising Practices, and the Role of Modern Technology
27–28 March, Dubrovnik, Croatia – Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing human rights issues globally—and South-Eastern Europe is no exception. With rising cases of exploitation and the growing misuse of technology by traffickers, the need for a coordinated regional response has never been more urgent.
To support such efforts, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in cooperation with the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, organized a Regional Conference in Dubrovnik. The event brought together 40 participants in person and online, including criminal justice professionals, regional and international organizations, civil society actors, and private sector partners from across South-Eastern Europe and the European Union (EU).
Opening the conference, Danilo Rizzi, UNODC’s Regional Representative, reminded participants that “we are not just convening to talk but to act.” He stressed the dual role of technology as both a tool for harm and for help, urging practitioners to build strategies that move from commitment to concrete action.
Alan Tahiri, Croatia’s National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, echoed this call, describing trafficking as a “moral test” of our societies. “These are not numbers. These are lives—women, children, workers—whose voices have been stolen. We must use our knowledge and shared responsibility to give them that voice back,” he said.
Over two days, the conference explored trends in trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation, with a particular focus on how digital platforms are being used to recruit, control, and exploit victims. Participants exchanged insights on how modern technologies can also be used to counter trafficking—through proactive investigations, digital evidence collection, and better coordination across borders and sectors.
A persistent theme was the need to move beyond reactive responses and toward prevention and protection systems that are survivor-centred, technology-aware, and built on trust across institutions. National experiences were shared truthfully, shedding light on both gaps and promising practices—from financial investigations and online monitoring, to engagement with tech companies and support for vulnerable groups.
The event also emphasized the need to adapt to changing patterns of exploitation, particularly the rise of labour trafficking and the growing vulnerability of migrants and children. Discussions highlighted how underreporting, limited institutional capacities, and the misuse of digital tools by traffickers continue to hinder effective responses.
The conference served not just as a space for dialogue, but as a platform for building momentum. Participants called for sustained cooperation, more tailored regional initiatives, and stronger linkages between governments, civil society, the private sector, and international actors.
UNODC remains committed to advancing these efforts, including through upcoming technical workshops across the region, where many of the lessons and strategies discussed in Dubrovnik will be further developed and applied. As one participant noted, “We are facing traffickers who are organized, well-funded, and evolving. If we want to succeed, we need to be even more coordinated, creative, and committed.”
