Since January 1, 2025, the Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office has assumed the role of the National Rapporteur on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. Previously, this responsibility was held by the Ministry of the Interior. The decision to transfer this function to the Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office was made to ensure the independence of the National Rapporteur from involvement in the formulation, implementation, and coordination of state policy related to combating human trafficking.  

The Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office has issued a report of the situation on combating human trafficking in the Republic of Lithuania in 2024. The report highlights key positive changes, challenges, and systemic issues identified in the field of combating human trafficking in 2024, as well as provides relevant recommendations to state institutions and agencies. 

The latest report reveals that conditions remain favorable for trafficking in human beings, with rising numbers of foreign victims and inconsistent institutional responses.  

A favourable environment for trafficking in human beings 

The 2024 report on the situation of human trafficking in Lithuania shows that conditions are favourable both for the recruitment of Lithuanian citizens for exploitation abroad and for the exploitation of third-country nationals within Lithuania. The number of third-country victims increased significantly over the past year. Among the 22 officially recognised victims, 18 were citizens of third countries, most commonly from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Belarus. All of these individuals were subjected to forced labour exploitation, primarily in the transport sector. 

In total, 26 pre-trial investigations were ongoing in 2024, with 17 new investigations, (27% increase compared to 2023). Almost half of these new cases concerned trafficking for labour exploitation, others involved sexual exploitation, exploitation for criminal activities (such as theft), forced begging, and two cases involving child trafficking (illegal adoption), one of which was related to surrogate motherhood. Notably, Lithuania was identified as the country of destination in 82% of new cases, 50% more than in 2023, underscoring its growing attractiveness to traffickers.  

It is noteworthy that in 2024, for the first time since 2010, no human trafficking cases were referred to the courts of first instance. A total of 12 individuals (2 women and 10 men) were convicted, half as many as in 2023. In the same period, charges were brought against 27 individuals and one legal entity. This shows a clear increase compared to the previous year, even as case referrals to courts declined. 

Official statistics do not reflect reality 

Most identified victims were men aged 31– 40. Notably, no victims aged 18–20 were recorded in 2024, while there were victims also including individuals aged 51– 60 and over 60 years old. Such a tendency reveals the broader vulnerability of affected groups. However, pre-trial investigation data does not reflect the true scale and demographics of human trafficking. In reality, far more adults of both genders and children fall victim to this crime. For example, trafficking for sexual exploitation remains widespread across the European Union, yet in Lithuania, only 3 pre-trial investigations were initiated on this basis last year, one of which was discontinued. 

“Criminal groups often manage to evade law enforcement and manipulate their victims to the extent that they rarely perceive themselves as victims of trafficking. Victims are also reluctant to seek help due to fear of retaliation from traffickers, mistrust of authorities, feelings of shame, or lack of legal residency in the country,” says Parliamentary Ombudsperson Dr. Erika Leonaitė. She emphasizes that victims are often deceived or exploited because of their vulnerability linked to poverty, addiction, or disability. 

The much higher actual number of victims is also reflected in data provided by non-governmental organisations. Last year, they provided comprehensive assistance to 107 new victims of trafficking, and 132 people received continuing support. Most assistance services included information and counselling, help with personal documentation, support for integration into society, job search and employment assistance, and legal services. 

Diverging approaches of national institutions 

In 2024, state and municipal institutions participated in national and international training for professionals and experts, carried out awareness campaigns, and disseminated information about trafficking forms, risks, appropriate responses, and available support. Furthermore, Lithuania adopted its third national action plan against trafficking in human beings for the year of 2024-2026 to ensure progress in tackling this issue. 

Despite these efforts, the response to human trafficking remains uneven, depending on available resources, institutional policies, and the attitudes of staff. Many systemic challenges remain, including the absence of an effective mechanism for recognising victims who are reluctant to engage with law enforcement, the limited funding available for NGOs, and a lack of proactive identification of potential victims. 

According to Seimas Ombudsperson Dr Jolita Miliuvienė, these differences are particularly evident among municipalities: “Nearly one-third of municipalities choose not to take measures because they do not perceive human trafficking as a problem in their regions. Since they are not legally obliged to implement trafficking prevention measures, those municipalities that do take action do so on their initiative or based on recommendations.” 

Recommendations: more consistency, resources, and accountability 

The Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office has issued recommendations to ministries and other governmental institutions, urging them to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking by improving legislation, allocating dedicated budgets, and expanding specialized training. It also recommended enhancing cooperation between state and municipal institutions and assisting non-governmental organisations to ensure more effective prevention and better support for victims. 

The report further stresses the need to guarantee assistance and ensure its accessibility for all victims of trafficking, regardless of whether they have been formally recognized as victims by law enforcement. These recommendations align with Directive (EU) 2024/1712, amending Directive 2011/36/EU, which calls for a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to prevention, protection, and prosecution.  

Read the full report in Lithuanian here.