More than 400 potential victims of trafficking or exploitation, originating from Romania and Bulgaria, were identified begging in Athens and Thessaloniki from January 2024 until the end of this March.

The figures were announced at an event reviewing the special initiative “Coordination services for victims of human trafficking in the Southeastern Balkans,” which is being implemented in Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. In Greece, it is carried out by ARSIS in cooperation with the National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA), in Bulgaria by the State Agency for Child Protection and A21, and in Romania by Terre des hommes Romania.

As announced by Valantis Papathanasiou, lawyer and coordinator of the initiative, a total of 462 potential victims of trafficking or exploitation were identified in Athens and Thessaloniki during the program, of whom 289 were Bulgarian nationals and the rest Romanian. They were identified on the streets, as they were mainly begging, and contact with them was established through professionals who spoke their language (Bulgarian and Romanian).

Bulgarian victims of trafficking in Thessaloniki, Romanians in Athens
According to the results of the streetwork initiative carried out in Athens and Thessaloniki, 240 potential victims of trafficking were identified in the capital, mainly from Romania, while 222 individuals were identified in Thessaloniki, the majority from Bulgaria, likely due to proximity. Most were homeless or living in precarious housing conditions, and all data collected by ARSIS was provided to the authorities.

“In Thessaloniki, victims of trafficking were identified in the city center or at traffic lights, at intersections outside the city, as well as in Perea, Halkidiki, and other towns,” said Nikos Kotoulas, a social worker involved in the streetwork initiative in Thessaloniki. In Athens, according to Eirini Topsy, a social scientist at ARSIS, victims were identified both within and outside the historic center, at fairs and festivals, as well as outside shopping centers.

Mr. Papathanasiou noted as particularly important that, within the framework of the initiative, a handbook was developed outlining the legal framework related to human trafficking, and a transnational cooperation protocol was signed, defining the responsibilities and services provided by each country in the areas of identification, protection, and repatriation of potential victims.

“At the same time, we scheduled meetings with other bodies and partners to ensure dissemination of the cooperation protocol, which includes best practices and the mechanisms of collaboration that were developed,” he said.

The need to develop a rapid response system, as well as cooperation with the police, the prosecutor’s office, and the consulates of the countries from which the potential victims originate, was highlighted by Theodora Gianni, head of the reception department of the Directorate of Social Interventions at the National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA).

“Additionally, long-term planning is needed, as these are groups of people in vulnerable conditions, including children or adults with physical or mental health issues,” she added.

The importance of transnational cooperation among the program’s stakeholders was also emphasized by Monika Nikolova, director of A21 Bulgaria, and Marga Stoyanova, representative of the Bulgarian State Agency for Child Protection, who called for the continuation of the good practices developed.