Gdańsk hosts Baltic anti-trafficking forum focused on forced labour risks

Gdańsk hosted an international meeting of experts from the Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings operating under the Council of the Baltic Sea States on 20-21 May. The event brought together representatives of border services, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, public administration and NGOs to discuss growing risks related to forced labour and human trafficking in the Baltic region.

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25 may 2026   |   11:19   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The conference was organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in cooperation with the Pomeranian Voivodeship Team for Counteracting Human Trafficking and the Polish Border Guard Maritime Unit.

Among the representatives of the Maritime Unit were Maj. Paweł Brzozowski and Cmdr Lt. SG Dr. Robert Mroczek, who also chairs the regional anti-trafficking task force in Pomerania.

Forced labour linked to transport and logistics sectors

The first day of discussions focused on forced labour, identified by participants as one of the most serious contemporary forms of human trafficking. Experts emphasized that the phenomenon increasingly affects sectors connected with maritime economy and logistics, including transport, warehousing, port services and seasonal employment of foreign workers.

Speakers noted that exploitation cases often remain hidden due to the vulnerability of migrant workers, language barriers and fear of deportation or retaliation. Investigators also pointed to difficulties in gathering evidence and properly classifying offences during criminal proceedings.

The conference included presentations based on operational experience and case studies related to forced labour investigations conducted in northern Poland.

Migrant protection and labour market security

Another key topic concerned preventive measures and support systems for foreign workers entering the Polish labour market. Klaudia Iwicka highlighted the importance of information campaigns, legal assistance and institutional cooperation aimed at reducing the risk of labour exploitation.

Participants stressed that increasing labour mobility in the Baltic Sea region requires closer cooperation between border authorities, labour inspection bodies, employers and social organizations.

Baltic states exchange operational experience

During the second day, delegates from member states of the Council of the Baltic Sea States presented national strategies and current initiatives related to combating trafficking in human beings.

Discussions also addressed emerging threats linked to digital recruitment channels, organized criminal networks and the abuse of international labour migration systems. Delegates exchanged best practices concerning victim identification, legal frameworks and cross-border cooperation mechanisms.

Particular attention was given to future priorities under Iceland’s upcoming presidency of the Council.

Maritime region under growing scrutiny

The meeting in Gdańsk confirmed that human trafficking and forced labour remain significant security challenges for the Baltic maritime region. Participants agreed that coordinated international action and stronger institutional cooperation are essential to improve worker protection and limit criminal exploitation within cross-border supply chains and transport networks.

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