The campaign was prepared based on the findings of a study entitled “Public awareness of the risks associated with human trafficking and traveling abroad for work in 2015”, conducted by MSWiA (then MSW) in August 2015. The campaign is aimed primarily at young people making decisions about going abroad for work.

Human trafficking is one of the most brutal forms of organized crime. Due to its highly complex nature, it is an exceptionally difficult crime to detect and prove. Because of its geographical location, Poland is simultaneously a destination country for victims of human trafficking, a transit country for people transported mainly to Western Europe, and a country where Poles are recruited for exploitation, primarily in other European Union countries. Every year, people leaving Poland in search of work and a better life are exploited in forced labor, prostitution, criminal activities, or the extortion of social benefits and loans by various criminal groups.

The first part of the MSWiA campaign includes broadcasts of a television spot on nationwide television (TVP and Polsat) and a radio spot on nationwide and regional radio stations, and will last two weeks (until December 22). The second part is planned for the turn of February and March 2016. During this period, spots will also be broadcast on television and radio; additionally, billboards and posters will appear. The campaign will also be supplemented with other preventive activities—a comic book about human trafficking will be sent to schools. A mobile exhibition will also be prepared.

“Let us remember that anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, with people seeking work abroad being particularly at risk. Criminals lure potential victims with attractive job offers, high pay, good conditions and guaranteed accommodation ˜– Ministry officials say.

They add: “If you or someone close to you has found themselves in such a situation, contact the National Consulting and Intervention Centre for Victims of Human Trafficking at 22 628 01 20 or notify the police.

More information is available at www.handelludzmi.eu and www.kcik.pl.

MSWiA/ii