TIES – Transnational Initiative on Enhancing early (Self)Identification of Victims of labour exploitation and forced criminality

The EU-funded project TIES (Transnational Initiative on Enhancing early (Self)Identification of Victims of labour exploitation and forced criminality) is committed to identifying, referring and protecting third-country nationals who are at risk of, or affected by, labour exploitation or forced criminality.

TIES follows a three-tiered approach:

Promoting Self-Identification

• Through digital streetwork, mobile counseling, and targeted awareness campaigns, potential victims are directly addressed – both online and offline. The goal is to provide them with information about their rights, protection options, and available support services. A special focus is placed on minors, who are often hard to reach and particularly at risk.

Raising Awareness Among Professionals

• Actors such as police, correctional services, municipalities, and social services are trained and provided with materials to help them recognize signs of exploitation and safely refer affected individuals to support services.

Strengthening Systems

• At both national and EU levels, TIES brings together expert organizations, policymakers, and affected individuals to develop and disseminate recommendations for improved identification and protection mechanisms.

• Third Country Nationals in Germany, Greece and Italy, who are subjected to or at risk of labour trafficking and forced criminality, including children, have increased knowledge of their rights, protection, and available assistance to self-identify as victims of trafficking and to seek support.
• Relevant non-specialised public and NGO stakeholders in the three countries have increased capacitiy to detect victims of trafficking and safely refer them to receive protection and assistance.
• Anti-trafficking systems at national and European levels are strengthened in their identification and referral practices through capacity building and peer learning among anti-trafficking organisations.

• More than 230 minors and adults affected by labour exploitation or forced criminality will be safely referred to support services. In total, 1,600 people will receive targeted information about their rights – both online and offline.
• Over 100 staff members from authorities and NGOs will be trained to better identify and respond to labour exploitation and forced criminality.
• Studies, webinars, and policy recommendations will be published to help policymakers further develop protection structures at both national and EU levels.