From coercion to protection
As uncomfortable as it sounds, the person who tried to scam you online or sold drugs on the street might actually be a victim of human trafficking. This is called trafficking for forced criminality and is one of the fastest growing forms of human trafficking.
As per the 2024 UN Office on Drugs and Crime Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, the detection of trafficking for forced criminality has increased over the last ten years from one per cent of the total victims detected in 2016 to six per cent in 2018 and to eight per cent in 2022 globally. In some countries, it has become the third most common form of exploitation. Traffickers target vulnerable or marginalized people and force them to commit crimes through threats, coercion and psychological manipulation—from theft and online fraud to forced begging and drug dealing. When these victims are arrested, they often end up in jail instead of receiving the help they need.
The Office promotes a comprehensive approach centred on the non-punishment principle, ensuring that victims are not prosecuted or penalized for unlawful acts they were compelled to commit as a direct consequence of being trafficked. This principle is crucial for protecting victims' rights and encouraging them to seek help without fear of legal repercussions. The Office also supports OSCE participating States in strengthening identification and protection mechanisms, including through specialized training for law enforcement and judicial authorities.