Human trafficking: an often invisible crime

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

Human trafficking is considered a form of modern slavery and a serious violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms: sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced begging or criminal activities, organ trafficking, and more recently, surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption.

Victims of human trafficking endure degrading living and working conditions, often marked by both verbal and physical abuse.

Human trafficking is a serious criminal offence that can be severely punished. Individuals recognized as victims are entitled to protection, legal assistance, social support, psychological care, and financial aid, including safe accommodation in a confidential location. This is where Hëllef um Terrain comes in.

TWO SHELTERS PROVIDING SAFE HAVEN

“Today, we are able to host and accommodate 13 people across two different shelter facilities at undisclosed locations to ensure the safety of the residents,” explains Marina Leger, Head of Support for Victims of Human Trafficking at Hëllef um Terrain.

“When victims arrive at our facilities, they are often deeply traumatized. They are afraid to speak or share their stories due to fear of retaliation or feelings of shame. Exploiters create both material and emotional dependency. They isolate victims, keep them in constant insecurity, threaten them—or their relatives—confiscate their documents, and subject them to psychological and physical abuse.

Our role, in addition to providing a safe and secure place to stay, is also to help them regain self-confidence. This takes time. We listen to them, support them, guide them towards appropriate services based on their specific needs, offer leisure and cultural activities, and help them establish daily routines. We also support them in learning languages and in their job search, with the ultimate goal of fostering independence and autonomy.”

REBUILDING AND JUSTICE

“I remember a Nepalese man who was a victim of labour exploitation in a restaurant. His employer had brought him to Luxembourg with false promises. Instead of a better life, he was forced to work in inhumane conditions. His passport was confiscated, he was forced to hand over most of his salary, he was beaten and mistreated, and housed in degrading conditions.

When he arrived at our shelter, he was extremely wary and did not speak French. Thanks to his motivation and language classes, he gradually opened up and became a true pillar within the house. Following the trial, he was officially recognized as a victim of human trafficking, and his former employer was sentenced to prison.

Because this is also what victims seek: justice and recognition of what they have endured. Today, this man has found stable and dignified employment in the restaurant sector and lives in independent housing. He has rebuilt his life.

As in this case, behind every situation of human trafficking, there is a person to protect, support, and help rebuild their life.”

Hëllef um Terrain is part of the InfoTraite network—together with Femmes en Détresse and the Fondation Maison Porte Ouverte—under the supervision of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity. The aim of this initiative is to provide comprehensive support (accommodation, legal assistance, psychological support, and administrative guidance) to victims of human trafficking in Luxembourg.

On October 15, 2026, on the occasion of the International Day against Human Trafficking, InfoTraite will host an event at Rotondes. The program includes a puppet theatre performance created by victims, followed by a roundtable discussion with professionals and partners. The event, which is free and open to all, will conclude with an informal networking moment.