Protection Resources

Explore a collection of tools, reports, and best practices designed to support practitioners in advancing human trafficking protection efforts. These resources aim to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and enhance the effectiveness of protection initiatives across the field.

Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Labor Trafficking Survivors

Author(s): IRC Framework TA
Date: 2026
Topic(s): Labor Trafficking

Labor trafficking affects survivors in ways that extend far beyond the workplace. While physical safety and economic stability are essential components of recovery, healing also requires attention to mental health, identity, autonomy, and long-term well-being.

This guide was developed to support providers across disciplines by offering practical, survivor-informed considerations for understanding and responding to the unique mental health needs of labor trafficking survivors through trauma-informed, survivor-centered practice.

It is intended for victim advocates, case managers, social workers, healthcare providers, legal professionals, workforce development specialists, and others working to support survivors on their path toward healing and long-term recovery.

Under the Radar: Labour Exploitation and Forced Labour in Germany

Author(s): Sascha Lübbe, Filip Mitrovski (IRC Germany)
Date: 2026
Topic(s): Labor Trafficking

Human trafficking and labor exploitation also occur in Germany – including on construction sites, in agriculture, hotels, private households, and the meat-processing industry. Exploitation often remains hidden because those affected depend on their employer for work, accommodation, or their residence status. In this article, we examine the situation in Germany and explain where the line lies between a violation of labour law, labor exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking, who is particularly at risk, and what support the IRC and its partners provide through the TIES project. The TIES project is co-funded by the European Union.

The Greek National Referral Mechanism: Design, Strengths, Challenges

Author(s): IRC Germany
Date: 2026
Topic(s): Referrals

Greece has strengthened its framework to identify and support victims of trafficking through the
National Referral Mechanism (NRM), with reported identifications rising since 2022. While detection
and reporting have improved, protection outcomes still depend on recognition pathways and longterm support capacity. This report presents key trafficking indicators, explains how the NRM works, assesses strengths and gaps in Greece’s approach and offers recommendations for the future.

Supporting refugee and migrant survivors of human trafficking with parenting responsibilities

Author(s): IRC Germany / IRC Italy
Date: 2024
Topic(s): Child Trafficking

This manual, Caring for Those Who Care: Supporting Refugee and Migrant Survivors of Human Trafficking with Parenting Responsibilities, is designed to guide facilitators in delivering training for first line responders working with refugee and migrant survivors of trafficking who are also parents or caregivers. Developed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), this updated edition builds on the IRC’s experience with the Families Make the Difference (FMD) program and its broader anti-trafficking work. The training aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of human trafficking, enhance trauma-informed support for survivors, and promote positive parenting practices that foster the wellbeing of children and families affected by forced migration and exploitation.

Am I in a Dangerous Working Situation? Self Assessment Tool

Author(s): CARRE, The International Rescue Committee (Framework)
Date: 2023
Topic(s): Capacity Building, Child Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

CARRE, Framework and the IRC Anti-Trafficking Technical Advisors recently developed several client and provider facing resources to help combat child labor trafficking. These resources include a one-page child and youth-facing information sheet, as well as a customizable Power Point and accompanying facilitator’s guide for staff wanting to raise awareness about labor trafficking and child labor trafficking within their community. For additional context and resources, please reference the following:

Labor Trafficking 101 Slides
Labor Trafficking 101 Facilitator’s Guide

Standard Operating Procedures for transnational referrals of VoT clients to service providers in other EU Member States

Author(s): IRC Germany
Date: 2022
Topic(s): Referrals

These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set out the minimum requirements for the transfer of case management, victim consent, data protection, and capacity of the receiving partner (psychosocial, case/social worker, legal) of transnational referrals of Victims of Trafficking (VoTs). They outline the required steps, responsibilities, documentation, and information necessary to successfully conclude the transfer of case management without diminishing rights and opportunities. These SOPs are set to be shared with other organizations and counseling centers supporting VoTs.

Life Skills per Adolescenti

Author(s): IRC Italy / IRC Germany
Date: 2024
Topic(s): Child Trafficking, Life Skills

The document Life Skills Curriculum for Adolescents, developed under the DIRECT project, strengthens resilience and wellbeing among young people at risk of or recovering from trafficking and other vulnerabilities. Through interactive modules on self-awareness, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationships, it promotes empowerment, communication, and critical thinking as protective factors. Adaptable to diverse settings, the program equips facilitators to help adolescents build autonomy, inclusion, and skills for safe, positive futures.

English translation coming soon.