Recommendations for Combatting Human Trafficking on the Railways

Human trafficking is a complex, multi-faceted crime and a severe violation of human rights that affects States, businesses, and societies — and it often worsens during times of crisis and emergencies. While human trafficking does not require movement, it often involves transportation systems. Traffickers exploit transport networks not only to recruit and move victims, but also to control and exploit them in transit hubs and stations. The railway environment, with its high passenger volumes and anonymity, is particularly vulnerable to such abuse. Traffickers count on people being unprotected and unfamiliar with their surroundings; staff being unaware of the signs; and rapid, often cross-border travel to avoid detection. 

This is why the Recommendations for Combatting Human Trafficking on the Railways developed by the expert group under the leadership of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and International Union of Railways (UIC) are so vital. They address a critical yet often overlooked dimension of anti trafficking efforts: the role of railways in preventing trafficking, detecting suspicious situations, and assisting victims.

The scale of both the challenge and the opportunity is immense. Billions of passengers travel by rail each year, and every journey represents a chance to detect and disrupt trafficking. Clear referral pathways can help ensure that victims — who might otherwise remain unseen — receive protection and support. At the same time, railway operators must ensure that their supply chains are free from exploitative labour and that staff uphold strong ethical standards, preventing any inadvertent contribution to trafficking. A zero tolerance approach to human trafficking on railways strengthens passenger safety and reinforces trust in the entire rail system.