Human trafficking statistics remain a major concern in Cyprus and the European Union

On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights Maria Stylianou-Lottidi highlighted the persistent scale of human trafficking in Cyprus and the European Union. She emphasized the critical need for improved victim identification, robust protection mechanisms, and stricter sentencing for perpetrators.

Data for 2025 in Cyprus shows that 30 victims of trafficking were officially identified, consisting of 16 women and 14 men, with five human traffickers receiving convictions. However, the Commissioner noted that these figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual problem, as many cases remain unreported. According to Eurostat data from 2024, the broader European Union recorded 9,678 victims, identified 7,966 suspects, and finalized 2,599 convictions. The data further revealed that 63% of identified victims were women or girls, with labor exploitation occurring at nearly the same frequency as sexual exploitation.

While progress has been made in the institutional framework, Stylianou-Lottidi suggests that significant challenges remain in addressing the hidden nature of these crimes. The ongoing efforts focus on closing these gaps to ensure that victims receive the necessary support and that justice is served to those responsible.