site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Zafirov: Human Trafficking Requires Collective and Decisive Action

Human trafficking is a crime that demands collective and decisive action, said Atanas Zafirov, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking on Thursday. Zafirov made the remarks while opening an international conference in Sofia mottoed "Human Trafficking: The Route of Labour Migration – Pitfalls and Opportunities for Third-Country Nationals," organized by the Commission in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM) from Romania.

"We are facing a dynamic and evolving migration landscape," Zafirov added. According to him, the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking plays a crucial coordinating role, and our national mechanism for victim support is a model of coordinated action.

Bulgaria is committed to continuing the fight against human trafficking by enhancing the legislative framework, Zafirov said. He emphasized the importance of improving labor legislation, including in the area of labor intermediaries. According to him, Bulgaria’s full membership in Schengen opens up many opportunities related to market access but also poses certain risks.

"We must ensure that every person seeking a better life and honest work is protected," Zafirov said during the forum.

Participants from various institutions, intergovernmental organizations, migration experts, law enforcement representatives, and national industry, trade union, and non-governmental organizations are discussing the practical aspects of policies in this field. The discussions also cover the links between legal employment opportunities and the risks of falling into human trafficking faced by citizens of third countries.