A new report by GRETA, the Council of Europe’s anti-trafficking expert body, evaluates Latvia’s measures to prevent human trafficking, support vulnerable victims, and prosecute offenders. The report highlights both the risks posed by information and communication technology (ICT) in trafficking and the potential of technological innovations to protect victims and strengthen investigations.
The report commends Latvia’s adoption of a new national action plan against human trafficking for 2025–2027 and legislative amendments enhancing protections for child victims during criminal proceedings. Plans are also underway to establish a comprehensive law on victim protection.
Between 2021 and 2024, Latvia identified 149 trafficking victims, comprising 87 males and 62 females, with children representing 4% of the total. Labour exploitation was the most common form, followed by sexual exploitation and exploitation through sham marriages. While most victims were Latvian nationals, the number of foreign victims has been rising.
GRETA highlights that children and young adults in or leaving institutional care face higher risks of trafficking, recommending strengthened support services, inclusion of trafficking prevention in school curricula, and professional training. Women and girls in prostitution are also considered particularly vulnerable, and further action is needed to address stereotypes, raise awareness, provide exit programmes, and adopt legislation to curb exploitation.
The report notes that increased demand for migrant workers and limited inspection resources heighten the risk of labour exploitation of third-country nationals. GRETA urges the Latvian authorities to ensure sufficient staff, resources, and training for the State Labour Inspectorate to prevent and detect labour trafficking. The Roma community, asylum seekers, unaccompanied and separated children, persons with disabilities, and homeless people are also identified as at-risk groups requiring targeted awareness, inclusive services, and systematic vulnerability assessments.
On victim identification and protection, GRETA calls for timely identification and referral to support services regardless of criminal proceedings, with specific protocols for child victims and unaccompanied minors. State-funded assistance should be adequate, accessible to all victims, and tailored to their specific needs, including those of male victims.
Regarding access to justice, 15 trafficking offenders were convicted between 2021 and 2024, receiving prison sentences of two to six years. While GRETA acknowledges improvements in legislation and child victim protections, it expresses concern over lengthy court proceedings and urges increased human and financial resources for specialized police units and prosecutors. The report also emphasizes the need to strengthen access to compensation from perpetrators and improve asset seizure and forfeiture.
Finally, GRETA highlights the growing role of social media, fake job platforms, and online grooming in human trafficking. Following the National Cybersecurity Law of 2024, the report encourages further investment in digital tools, proactive investigations, and targeted training to combat ICT-facilitated trafficking.
