Human Trafficking Study in Croatia

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 2. Human trafficking trends and identification of victims

Abstract

This study investigated all cases of identified victims of human trafficking in Croatia from 2016 to 2020. Data revealed that during this five-year period, 177 victims of human trafficking were identified, averaging approximately 35 victims annually. Slightly over half of the identified victims (52%) were of Croatian origin. Among victims from abroad (48%), the majority were from the Far East (35%, primarily due to one case in 2018 where 59 victims from Taiwan were identified), followed by Southeastern Europe (8%) and the Middle East (3%).
The study observed an equal representation of males (50.3%) and females (49.7%). More than a half of identified victims were from Croatia (52%) and others from abroad (48%).
Data analysis regarding the age of identified victims indicated that nearly three-quarters (76.8%) were of younger age, with 28.8% being under 18. Among minors, significantly more girls (60.8%) than boys (39.2%) were victims of human trafficking. Moreover, over half of the identified minor victims of human trafficking (52%) were intended for sexual exploitation, with nearly three-quarters being girls (73.1%) and over a quarter being boys (26.9%).
While records do not disclose the ethnic background of victims, interviews with stakeholders reveal a significant presence of Roma children among victims.
Nearly half of the identified victims of human trafficking were exploited for the commission of unlawful acts (46.6%), followed by sexual exploitation (27.5%) and labor exploitation (22.8%). Male victims were predominantly exploited for the commission of unlawful acts (71.1%) and exclusively appeared as victims of forced labor. In the context of unlawful acts committed, it is essential to ensure that victims will not be punished for offenses committed during human trafficking.

The study also developed conclusions and recommendations that will be presented in this paper.

Author

• Aleksandar Marsavelski, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb