Dr Witold Jakimko of the College of Vocational Training in the team working on a law protecting victims of human trafficking.
26 May 2025 in Warsaw, another meeting of the expert group established by a joint decision of the Minister of the Interior and Administration and the Minister of Justice was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. The purpose of the team's work was to Development of a draft anti-trafficking law.
The group included representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, other ministries, relevant uniformed services, NGOs and research centres dealing with and combating trafficking in human beings.
The complex challenges of trafficking in human beings
Human trafficking is one of the most difficult crimes to detect and prosecute. Its transnational and cross-border nature means that it often involves multiple countries and requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies. An additional difficulty is the complexity of the investigations - the victims are sometimes intimidated and perpetrators operate within organised structuresusing sophisticated methods to conceal criminal activity.
Equally important are the challenges in the area of victim protection. Victims need comprehensive supportThis includes legal, psychological, social and, in many cases, medical assistance. This assistance requires the involvement of numerous institutions and long-term coordination.
Why is a separate law needed?
The new law has the potential to clean up prevention efforts, law enforcement and victim assistance. The need for it stems from the need to regulate these issues based on existing solutionssuch as the Anti-Drug Addiction Act or the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.
Significantly, the draft legislation is also intended to implement the international obligations of the Republic of Poland, including obligations under international agreements and European Union directives. Its development required the involvement of experienced specialists from various disciplines - including lawyers, criminologists and psychologists.
Expert of the Higher School of Vocational Training in the composition of the team
Dr Witold Yakimko, assistant professor at the Institute of Law of the University of Vocational Training, participated in the work of the team. He represented both our University and the La Strada Foundation - organisation, which he has helped pro bono for many years, committing himself to the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.