EU spends 160 mln euros to end human trafficking, but more work needed: official

The European Union (EU) spent 158.5 million euros (174.3 million U.S. dollars) between 2004 and 2015 on projects tackling human trafficking, but much work remains to be done, Austria Press Agency reported Monday citing a leading official.

New figures released ahead of the 10th EU Anti-Trafficking Day on Tuesday show that the EU used this funding to support 321 projects across 100 countries.

Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Myria Vassiliadou said while many goals had so far been reached, the efforts must be maintained.

She said trafficking took various forms, including forced prostitution and begging, the organ trade, and labor exploitation.

It is also estimated that 80 percent of victims are women and children, Vassiliadou said. Additionally, the illegal industry has profited from the migrant crisis.

The purpose of Anti-Trafficking Day is to raise awareness, Elisabeth Tichy from the Austrian foreign affairs ministry stated. She said people often encounter others in their daily lives who may be victims, without realizing it.

This can range from construction workers being paid too little, to cleaners lured to other countries by false promises.

Vassiliadou said the identification of victims as they reach Europe must be improved, arguing that governments bear the responsibility of providing adequate assistance. Endit