La Strada International has released its 2024 Data Report, presenting the latest figures and trends from 28 of its 33 member organisations across 22 European countries. The findings provide valuable insight into the scale, nature, and evolution of human trafficking and related exploitative practices across Europe.
In 2024, LSI members collectively assisted at least 5,451 persons, marking an increase compared to approximately 4,000 in 2022. More than half of the organisations (52%) reported an increase in presumed victims assisted compared to the previous year.
From the total number of people assisted, 692 were internally displaced, and 283 persons benefited from a reflection and recovery period. However, of the 119 individuals who applied for compensation, only 23 received it – meaning just 19% were granted compensation after applying.
Gender and Age
Women continue to represent the majority of assisted persons (67%), while men accounted for 32%. These findings align with Eurostat’s 2023 data, which also recorded a predominance of female victims. Victims were primarily in the 18–35 age range, though persons from all age categories, including those over 55, were registered.
Forms and Sectors of Exploitation
Sexual and labour exploitation remain the most reported forms. In 2024, members assisted 1,020 persons trafficked for sexual exploitation and 892 for labour exploitation. Reports of forced begging rose sharply, from nine to sixteen member organisations, while forced marriage cases also increased, from around 20 in 2023 to 38 in 2024.
The most frequently reported sectors of labour exploitation were domestic work, agriculture, and construction, with domestic work showing the largest increase, reported by 23 organisations in 2024 compared to 19 in the previous year.
Nationality and Protection
Two-thirds (66%) of the assisted persons were citizens of non-European countries, confirming a continued rise in the number of Third Country Nationals affected by trafficking. The most frequently reported nationalities were Nigerian, Dutch, Colombian and Romanian. A total of only 715 persons were granted a residence permit, while 120 individuals benefited from international protection.
Emerging Trends
The 2024 data indicate a continued use of online recruitment methods. Members also report growing concerns over forced criminality, mixed forms of exploitation, and labour exploitation in specific sectors, including hospitality and agriculture. An emerging issue identified by one member organisation was the vulnerability of non-EU students, who may face economic hardship and exploitation after changing their legal status or work conditions.
Ukrainian Nationals
Eighteen LSI members reported assisting persons coming from Ukraine in 2024, representing a total of 112 presumed victims—a decline from 187 in 2023. However, organisations expect this number to rise in the coming years as the conflict continues and state support systems weaken.