The number of victims of human trafficking reached 881 in 2025, of whom 773 were adults and 108 children, according to Yiannis Bougas.
The Deputy Minister of Justice Yiannis Bougas, speaking before the Subcommittee on Combating Trafficking and Exploitation of Human Beings of the Special Standing Committee on Equality, Youth, and Human Rights, announced that in 2025, 881 victims of human trafficking were recorded, of whom 773 were adults and 108 were children. As she emphasized, trafficking constitutes one of the gravest violations of human dignity and freedom, affecting both the victims and the very core of the rule of law.
Bougas: Protection begins with identification
Mr. Bougas emphasized that effective protection of victims begins with their timely identification. As he noted, the National System for the Identification and Referral of Victims of Human Trafficking is a key tool of the national policy against trafficking, as it ensures the timely identification of victims and their immediate access to protection, assistance and justice.
New bill on human trafficking is on the way
Referring to the legislative initiatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Deputy Minister noted that the work of the relevant working group on the transposition of the new Directive (EU) 2024/1712 into national law has been completed. The relevant bill is expected to be submitted shortly, with the aim of further strengthening the protection of victims, combating new forms of exploitation, protecting children, and ensuring more effective investigation and prosecution of such crimes.
In closing, Mr. Bougas emphasized that the State must identify victims in a timely manner, protect them effectively, and enable them to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to continuously strengthening the institutional and criminal law framework against human trafficking and exploitation.
