A new policy paper, National Referral Mechanisms in the EU: Mapping, Analysis and Further Guidance examined how Member States are strengthening their victim identification, referral and support systems.
Building on previous EU work, the paper provides an updated overview of legal, policy and institutional developments across all 27 EU Member States. It also explores the establishment of national focal points for cross-border referrals.
The study analyses the structures and practices to identify, refer, assist and protect victims of trafficking in human beings, highlighting both achievements and remaining challenges. It identified areas requiring further attention, such as the early detection of less visible forms of trafficking, access to long-term support, cross-border referral arrangements, and monitoring and data collection systems. It underlines the role of civil society organisations in victim identification and assistance.
The findings are accompanied by practical recommendations to support the development of National Referral Mechanisms and national focal points across the EU as Member States continue to implement the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive.
A few of the proposed recommendations are:
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Completing legal formalisation and strengthening the enforceability of National Referral Mechanisms;
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Clarifying the roles of key actors involved in National Referral Mechanisms;
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Reinforcing cooperation with civil society;
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Strengthening early detection of all forms of trafficking, with particular focus on labour exploitation and child trafficking;
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Ensuring training across all EU Member States, making training accessible to all frontline professionals;
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Strengthening access to victim support, ensuring that all victims, including non-EU nationals, can access immediate assistance regardless of cooperation with law enforcement;
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Strengthening monitoring, data collection of data on trafficking in human beings and evaluation.
Background
A policy paper is developed by the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub financed by the European Commission. This policy paper has been conducted in line with the obligations introduced by the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive.
National Referral Mechanisms are the framework through which state authorities, service providers and civil society organisations work together to identify victims of trafficking, refer them to appropriate services and coordinate their assistance and protection. Effective National Referral Mechanisms are essential to ensure that victims of trafficking are identified early and receive the protection and support they need.
For further details, key findings and recommendations, find the full study here
