Combatting Human Trafficking in the Digital Era: Innovative Approaches from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans

Human trafficking remains a severe threat in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.  According to the 2024 IOM Flow Monitoring Survey, 14,2% of migrants along migratory routes reported experiences of violence, exploitation, or abuse. In 2023 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 37 victims, predominantly women and children, were identified, with forced labor such as begging being the most prevalent form of exploitation. 

In recent years, the landscape of criminal activity has been significantly reshaped by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, providing organized criminal groups (OCGs) new avenues to expand their operations. Criminal businesses are leveraging the online environment and digital solutions, such as social media, mobile application, cryptocurrencies, to offer their illegal services, manage logistics and payments, and secure profits. These technologies have become integral to the modus operandi of migrant smugglers and human traffickers. 

As the Western Balkans region continues to be affected by increased mixed migratory flows and heightened criminal activities exploiting the vulnerabilities of migrants, including migrant workers who might face an increasing risk of exploitation, strengthening capacities for prevention, proactive identification, investigation and prosecution of perpetrators remains a top priority.  

In response, IOM continuously adapts its strategies. While supporting authorities in enhancing the criminal justice response to human trafficking and in protecting and meeting the needs of victims and survivors of human trafficking, IOM has been increasingly focusing on innovative approaches to identify and mitigate the risks of human trafficking, including effective digital and route-based prevention methods. 

One key initiative has been the development of an interactive mobile application designed to improve the assessment and proactive identification of victims of human trafficking. Launched in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, this app leverages technology for better identification and raises awareness about human trafficking, involving citizens in the identification process. The app's potential to facilitate victim identification and encourage a proactive approach to combating human trafficking is significant. As part of its route-based approach, IOM has extended its efforts regionally in 2024, replicating the mobile application in Serbia, thereby amplifying its impact across the region.  

To mark this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina is raising awareness through a digital campaign.

Promoting already exiting tools, the campaign also aims to sensitize on the risks of labor exploitation among both local and foreign workers, with a specific emphasis on issues like forced begging, but also sheds light on the dangers of human trafficking in digital realms. This includes activities such as online advertising, recruitment, communication, and related practices. 

The campaign seeks to promote understanding of human trafficking indicators, encourage reporting of suspicious activities, and foster empathy for survivors. By engaging communities and leveraging technology, these initiatives contribute significantly to the prevention and mitigation of human trafficking in the region. 

For more information on the app and the digital campaign please contact IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina at iomsjjmission@iom.int.