Seventh Action Weeks Against Human Trafficking event
Bern, 15.09.2025 — Action Weeks Against Human Trafficking will take place throughout Switzerland from 22 September to 25 October under the theme ‘Invisible Human Trafficking’. Around 40 events in 11 cantons will shine a spotlight on this hidden truth. Human trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation is also a reality in Switzerland. This year's Action Weeks are being coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and are supported by the Federal Office of Police (fedpol).
The events in September and October aim to raise public awareness of human trafficking and make it more visible. They are being organised by federal and cantonal authorities, NGOs and international organisations. The extensive programme includes conferences, lectures, film shows, panel discussions and podcasts. While some events are open to the public, others are by invitation only.
Exploitation of victims in Switzerland
Victims of sexual or labour exploitation are often initially promised a better future or lured into fake romantic relationships by individuals or members of criminal organisations. The perpetrators exploit their victims' vulnerabilities to coerce them into working in exploitative conditions, including forced labour and sex work. Coercion can take the form of physical violence, psychological pressure, deception, inadequate or no pay, isolation or taking advantage of a situation where victims have no protection. Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. It occurs in Switzerland in private households, in workplaces and in the sex industry, affecting people of all genders and from all walks of life. Last year alone, four Swiss NGOs identified 200 new victims, but the actual number is likely to be much higher.
This year's Action Weeks invites us to take a closer look and ask some uncomfortable questions, such as: How is human trafficking linked to our consumer behaviour? How do we identify victims? What rights do they have? The various events aim to raise awareness of the exploitation that occurs behind closed doors and of our collective responsibility as a society.
This year marks the seventh time the Switzerland Against Human Trafficking Action Weeks are taking place, which once again coincide with European Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October.
The full programme is available at http://www.18oktober.ch (de, fr).