Child trafficking for Exploitation in Criminal Activities: The Response in the Veneto Region, Italy

Human trafficking for exploitation in criminal activities is one of the lesser-known and least-researched forms of exploitation in human trafficking, yet it represents an increasing and concerning trend in Europe. This work investigates child trafficking for criminal exploitation within the Italian Region of Veneto, examining its anti-trafficking response implemented by the N.A.V.I.G.A.Re anti-trafficking project, with a focus on two key initiatives: the Inside-Out systemic action and the O.L.TR.E. l’approdo project. The study evaluates whether these initiatives align with the human rights principles and victim-centred approach embedded in international and European Union law. To conduct this evaluation, the research employs a combination of empirical research, literature review, and legal analysis, providing insights from the field and situating them within broader academic and legal discussions. The empirical component includes structured interviews with key anti-trafficking professionals, as well as webinars and conferences organized by experts and practitioners in the field. The findings of Semprebon et al. (2021) further complement this analysis. The research reveals that the Veneto counter-trafficking system has demonstrated the capacity to develop human-rights-oriented operational practices implemented within a multi-agency network and to mitigate key limitations in the counter-trafficking framework. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding collaboration with law enforcement agencies and their ability to detect and refer potential cases of child exploitation in forced criminality, with the identification of children trafficked for forced criminality remaining a significant shortcoming. Additionally, critical gaps in the Italian legislative framework impede the full realization of trafficked children’s rights. Drawing on Veneto Region’s experience, this work offers recommendations to enhance the identification, assistance, and integration of children who are victims of human trafficking for criminal exploitation across Italy’s anti-trafficking projects.