Challenges in Prosecuting Human Trafficking in Slovenia: Legal Framework, Judicial Practices, and the Path Forward

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 8. Detection of trafficking in human beings and conviction of the perpetrators

Abstract

This presentation will outline the key findings of the research project Challenges in Prosecuting Human Trafficking in Slovenia, which examines judicial practices, evaluates the effectiveness of existing criminal legislation, and identifies the main obstacles in combating human trafficking in Slovenia over the past decade.

The study includes a normative analysis of Article 113 of the Slovenian Criminal Code (KZ-1), comparing its provisions on human trafficking with related offenses such as enslavement, exploitation of prostitution, and violations of workers' rights, while also assessing compliance with international legal standards. A comprehensive review of final court decisions and prosecutorial practices highlights key trends, challenges, and inconsistencies in the prosecution of trafficking offenses, with particular attention to evidentiary standards, judicial interpretation of legal provisions, and the conceptualization of terms such as exploitation and victim vulnerability.

Additionally, a comparative legal analysis of human trafficking legislation and judicial practices in selected EU countries identifies best practices that could inform legislative and procedural reforms in Slovenia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including statistical analysis, case law reviews, expert interviews, and focus groups with legal practitioners.

Based on these findings, the study formulates concrete recommendations to improve prosecutorial effectiveness, strengthen victim protection, and ensure greater alignment with international legal obligations. By providing a data-driven analysis of Slovenia’s criminal justice response to human trafficking, this research contributes to the broader discourse on human trafficking and offers policy-oriented solutions to refine criminal justice response to this complex and evolving issue.

Author

• Luka Gal Prestor, Institute of criminology at the Faculty of law Ljubljana