According to the Consultative Human Rights Commission (CCDH), cases of human trafficking are on the rise, with a notable increase within the workplace.
The CCDH reported over 150 officially registered cases in 2023 and 2024, while emphasising that the actual number is likely higher due to unreported incidents. The Commission highlighted these findings in its fifth report on human trafficking in the Grand Duchy, presented on Wednesday.
While the overall high figure is partly attributed to a major forced prostitution case from 2021 currently before the courts, the number of victims exploited in the world of work is also increasing. Fabienne Rossler of the CCDH identified the hospitality and construction sectors as the most affected, with isolated cases also occurring in domestic work, transport, and care.
The majority of victims are women from third countries, with China being the most common country of origin. “The Chinese victims were all exploited in the restaurant trade”, Rossler explained, adding that in Indian-Nepalese restaurants, individuals from that region are disproportionately affected.
The report notes a growing trend of victims being recruited online, which complicates investigative efforts. Max Mousel of the CCDH stated that new virtual forms of trafficking, such as exploitation via webcams, must be detected earlier. He suggested adopting tools like “web crawlers” – software that scans the internet for clues – which are used abroad and could be further developed for Luxembourg.
The CCDH welcomed positive developments since its last report, including increased police resources, better sensitisation of relevant actors, and regular training. It also noted that the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM) is identifying more cases, a sign of greater awareness and proactive measures.
However, the Commission concluded that for optimal effectiveness, the ITM should be granted explicit legal powers specifically in the area of human trafficking. The CCDH also finds it regrettable that there is still no witness protection programme in Luxembourg and that compensation for victims is far below the damages they have suffered.
