Migration Min Plevris: Combating human trafficking is "a fundamental obligation of the state"

The government said human trafficking remains an evolving form of organized crime with millions of victims worldwide, as criminal networks continuously adapt their methods to exploit modern social and geopolitical challenges.

It said the rise in migration and refugee movements has increased the vulnerability of many people to exploitation and deceptive recruitment practices, with trafficking ranging from sexual exploitation to forced labour.

Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said combating human trafficking is "a fundamental obligation of the state."

"The trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people is a serious form of organized crime that violates fundamental rights and is directly linked to illegal migration networks," he said.

Deputy Migration and Asylum Minister Sevi Voloudaki said tackling human trafficking requires "consistent political will and meaningful cooperation among all relevant authorities."

"In the face of criminal networks that exploit human vulnerability, the state's response must be decisive and coordinated," she underlined.