*Press Release
Strengthening legislation, more effective action by the relevant agencies, and the timely identification and protection of victims were the focus of the workshop titled “Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking—Supporting Victims,” organized today by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order at the Journalists’ Club.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Kostas Fytiris, emphasized that combating human trafficking is a key priority for the Government, as part of its policy to address all forms of violence, coercion, and exploitation.
The Minister referred to modern forms of human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and child exploitation, highlighting the additional challenges posed by criminal networks’ use of the internet.
Referring to the Ministry’s initiatives, he noted that it has launched a public consultation on an amendment bill to transpose the new European Directive, with the aim of strengthening the legislative framework for combating human trafficking and protecting victims.
At the same time, he emphasized the importance of police operations, targeted inspections in high-risk areas, staff training, and cooperation with European and international authorities. He also made special mention of the need to identify and seize the illicit financial gains that criminal networks derive from human exploitation.
Mr. Fytiris pointed out that, despite the significant progress Cyprus has made, challenges remain, primarily in the timely identification of victims and their access to effective protection and support.
As he noted, “the true success of our efforts is measured not only by arrests and convictions, but also by our ability to protect people who have been exploited and to empower them to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”
The workshop was held to mark the European Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on October 18, with the participation of representatives from relevant agencies and organizations. During the event, topics were presented regarding the role of the police in preventing and combating human trafficking, the protection and support of victims, as well as relevant legislative and institutional developments.
