Dokumendiregister | Justiitsministeerium |
Viit | 2-7/25-7749-1 |
Registreeritud | 24.09.2025 |
Sünkroonitud | 25.09.2025 |
Liik | Sissetulev kiri |
Funktsioon | 2 Asjajamine ja infotehnoloogiahaldus |
Sari | 2-7 Kutsed ja kirjavahetus rahvusvahelistel seminaridel, konverentsidel jt üritustel osalemiseks |
Toimik | 2-7/2025 |
Juurdepääsupiirang | Avalik |
Juurdepääsupiirang | |
Adressaat | Austria Suursaatkond Tallinnas |
Saabumis/saatmisviis | Austria Suursaatkond Tallinnas |
Vastutaja | Kerstin Vaikmaa (Justiits- ja Digiministeerium, Kantsleri vastutusvaldkond, Üldosakond, Kommunikatsiooni ja väliskoostöö talitus) |
Originaal | Ava uues aknas |
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. |
Tere!
Kirjutan Teile Austria Suursaatkonnast, et edastada info 17. oktoobril Austrias toimuva iga-aastase inimkaubanduse
teemalise konverentsi kohta.
Konverents “Building Resilience now: Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings in Times of Crisis” toimub nii füüsilisel kui ka virtuaalsel kujul.
Konverents on tasuta ja osaleda võib igaüks, kuid registreeruda tuleb hiljemalt 9. oktoobriks. Kohtade arv on piiratud
ja kehtib „kes ees, see sees“ põhimõte.
Täpsem info ja registreerimine konverentsi veebilehel
Ning leitav ka manustest, mis on lisatud meilile.
Infot konverentsi kohta võib lahkesti levitada kõigile potentsiaalsetele huvilistele!
Heade soovidega
Austria Suursaatkond Tallinnas
Kristiina Kivilaan
Nõunik
Vambola 6, 10114 Tallinn
Tel.: +372 627 8744
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.aussenministerium.at/tallinn
PROGRAMME
16 October 2025
08:45 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 10:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Martin Eichtinger, Director of the Vienna School of
International Studies
Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner Internal Affairs and
Migration
Sabine Monauni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment
and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein
Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs
10:00 - 10:20 Keynote Speech
Silvia Exenberger, University of Innsbruck, Head and
Managing Director, Institute for Positive Psychology
and Resilience Research
10:20 - 10:40 Coffee break
10:40 - 11:50 Panel Discussion:
“Building Resilience Now: Preventing
Trafficking in Human Beings in Times
of Crisis“
Conny Rijken, Council of Europe, President of the Group
of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
(GRETA)
Tamara Schmidt, Director of LEFÖ-IBF
Olga Dunebabina, Strategic Communications Director at
the Human Rights NGO La Strada – Ukraine
Ivan Marques, Secretary for Multidimensional Security,
Organization of American States (OAS)
Moderator: Wolfgang Spadinger, Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
11:50 - 12:30 Discussion with the Audience
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30 - 16:00 Parallel Workshops (Vienna School of
International Studies and Online)
Workshop: Invisible vulnerabilities.
Secondary trauma in law enforcement
(German and English)
Criminal Intelligence Service Austria BK
Workshop: Safe and sound in Austria?
Vulnerabilities and resilience of children from
regions of crisis (English)
ECPAT Austria, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute
of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI) and
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Workshop: Coming back stronger. Turning
vulnerabilities into resilience (English)
LEFÖ-IBF and MEN VIA
16:00 - 16:30 Coffee break
16:30 - 17:00 Presentations by Workshop
Rapporteurs
Gerald Tatzgern, Head of Department - Smuggling,
Trafficking in Human Beings and Special Investigations,
Criminal Intelligence Service Austria
Helmut Sax, Senior Researcher, Ludwig Boltzmann
Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights
Manfred Buchner, Director MEN VIA
17:00 - 17:30 Discussion of Workshop Outcome
17:30 - 17:45 Closing Remarks
Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator tbc
Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and
Co-ordinator for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
Georg Stillfried, National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator
and Head of the Austrian Task Force on Combatting
Human Trafficking
1
2
3
Wiener Konferenz gegen Menschenhandel
GEMEINSAM RESILIENT: PRÄVENTION VON MENSCHENHANDEL IN KRISENZEITEN
16. Oktober 2025 Diplomatische Akademie Wien
TASK FORCE MENSCHENHANDEL
REGISTRATION
The conference is a public event and participation is free of charge. Participants are kindly requested to fill in the online registration form by 9 October 2025 available at this link. 150 people can participate in person while up to 500 can partake in the event online. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis.
Simultaneous interpretation (German, English) will be provided for the plenary session of the conference. The discussion of the workshop results and the closing of the conference will also be simultaneously interpreted. Links on how to attend the plenary session and the workshops, as well as technical instructions, will be sent shortly prior to the event.
For more information on combatting trafficking in human beings see:
PROGRAMM
16. Oktober 2025
08:45 - 09:30 Registrierung
09:30 - 10:00 Begrüßung und Eröffnung
Martin Eichtinger, Direktor der Diplomatischen
Akademie Wien
Magnus Brunner, Kommissar für Inneres und Migration
der Europäischen Union
Sabine Monauni, Ministerin für Äußeres, Umwelt und
Kultur des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
Nikolaus Marschik, Generalsekretär für auswärtige
Angelegenheiten
10:00 - 10:20 Keynote Speech
Silvia Exenberger, Universität Innsbruck, Leitung und
Geschäftsführung, Institut für positive Psychologie und
Resilienzforschung
10:20 - 10:40 Kaffeepause
10:40 - 11:50 Podiumsdiskussion zum Konferenzthema
„Gemeinsam Resilient: Prävention von
Menschenhandel in Krisenzeiten“
Conny Rijken, Europarat, Vorsitzende der Experten-
gruppe zur Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels (GRETA)
Tamara Schmidt, Leiterin LEFÖ-IBF
Olga Dunebabina, La-Strada Ukraine, Leiterin für
strategische Kommunikation der Menschenrechts-NGO
Ivan Marques, Sekretär für multidimensionale Sicherheits-
angelegenheiten, Organisation Amerikanischer Staaten
(OAS)
Moderator: Wolfgang Spadinger, Bundesministerium für
europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten
11:50 - 12:30 Diskussionsrunde mit dem Publikum
12:30 - 13:30 Mittagessen
13:30 - 16:00 Parallel abgehaltene Workshops
(Diplomatische Akademie und Online)
Workshop: Unsichtbare Verletzlichkeiten.
Sekundäre Traumatisierung bei Strafver-
folgungsbehörden. (Deutsch und Englisch)
Bundeskriminalamt BK
Workshop: Sicher in Österreich? Vulnerabilitäten
und Resilienz von Kindern aus Krisenregionen.
(Englisch)
ECPAT Österreich, Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für
Grund- und Menschenrechte (LBI) und Internationale
Organisation für Migration (IOM)
Workshop: Coming back stronger. Wie aus
Vulnerabilität Resilienz entstehen kann. (Englisch)
LEFÖ-IBF und MEN VIA
16:00 - 16:30 Kaffeepause
16:30 - 17:00 Präsentation der Ergebnisse der
Workshops
Gerald Tatzgern, Leiter der Abteilung – Schlepperei,
Menschenhandel und Sonderermittlungen;
Bundeskriminalamt
Helmut Sax, Senior Researcher, Ludwig Boltzmann
Institut für Grund- und Menschenrechte
Manfred Buchner, Leiter MEN VIA
17:00 - 17:30 Diskussion der Ergebnisse der
Workshops
17:30 - 17:45 Schlussworte
Diane Schmitt, EU-Koordinatorin für die Bekämpfung
des Menschenhandels tbc
Kari Johnstone, OSZE Sonderbeauftragte und
Koordinatorin zur Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels
Georg Stillfried, Nationaler Koordinator zur Bekämpfung
des Menschenhandels und Vorsitzender der Task Force
Menschenhandel
1
2
3
Vienna Conference on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
BUILDING RESILIENCE NOW: PREVENTING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS IN TIMES OF CRISIS 16 October 2025 Vienna School of International Studies
TASK FORCE
AUSTRIA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
ANMELDUNG
Die Veranstaltung ist öffentlich und ohne Teilnahmegebühr zugänglich. Teilnehmende werden gebeten, das Registrierungsformular des Events „Gemeinsam Resilient: Prävention von Menschenhandel in Krisenzeiten“ über den Link bis spätestens 9. Oktober 2025 auszufüllen. 150 Teilnehmende können vor Ort und bis zu 500 weitere virtuell an einer Diskussionsrunde teilnehmen. Registrierungen werden nach dem Zeitpunkt des Einlangens bearbeitet („first come, first served“).
Die Konferenz wird auf Deutsch und Englisch simultan gedolmetscht. Die auf die Workshops folgende Diskussion der Ergebnisse und der Abschluss der Konferenz werden auch simultan gedolmetscht.
Die Zusendung der Zugangslinks für den virtuellen Beitritt zur Plenarveranstaltung und dem gewählten Workshop erfolgt wenige Tage vor der Veranstaltung. Ebenso erhalten alle angemeldeten Personen eine technische Anleitung.
Weitere Informationen zum Kampf gegen den Menschenhandel finden Sie hier:
Trafficking in human beings remains a global phenomenon with a cross-border dimension. Decisive actions
based on international collaboration as well as the development of sustainable, long-term strategies are key to
combatting this crime. The need for action is urgent in light of current global crises and the emergence of new
forms and channels for committing trafficking in human beings.
This includes preventive measures, the protection of survivors, prosecution and international cooperation. This
holistic approach to combatting human trafficking addresses the issue on multiple levels, focusing on a victim-
centred, trauma-sensitive and interdisciplinary approach.
The fight against human trafficking has been one of the main priorities of Austria’s foreign policy since the
establishment of the Task Force on Combatting Human Trafficking in 2004. Since 2007, the Task Force has
organised the conference in cooperation with its partners, including the Principality of Liechtenstein, the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the OSCE. The event, which takes place in connection with
the EU Anti-Trafficking Day is one of the measures of the Austrian National Action Plan for Combatting Trafficking
in Human Beings. The event takes place annually with the participation of national and international experts and
is a proven communication forum, as well as a strategic instrument with a different focus each year. The goal of
the conference is to exchange experiences and raise awareness of existing challenges in the fight against human
trafficking. A range of workshops allow an in-depth look at the topics of the conference.
This year’s conference, under the heading “Building Resilience Now: Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings in Times of Crisis”, takes place in a hybrid format on 16 October 2025 at the Vienna School of International
Studies and online.
Resilience against re-traumatisation and re-victimisation has political and social relevance and is of great
importance both in the psychological debate and the care of survivors. The focus lies on strengthening vulnerable
Concept Note
Vienna Conference on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
BUILDING RESILIENCE NOW: PREVENTING TRAFFICKING IN
HUMAN BEINGS IN TIMES OF CRISIS 16 October 2025 Vienna School of International Studies
TASK FORCE
AUSTRIA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
groups regarding the risks of trafficking in human beings. It is also essential to sensitize society as a whole and
establish effective systems against trafficking to prepare for foreseeable as well as for unexpected challenges.
Current crises pose new hurdles for combatting human trafficking: natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts and
hybrid threats increase risks of human trafficking, while creating opportunities for criminal networks. In view
of the ongoing shift of trafficking in human beings into virtual spaces, new measures are necessary to increase
resilience in the digital world. Information on prevention and counselling offer are just as essential as including
survivor’s perspectives to better understand the inherent dangers in the digital sphere. It is equally important
to employ digital tools in the fight against human trafficking. These aspects will be addressed in more detail in
the course of the workshops.
Workshops
Workshop 1 Invisible vulnerabilities. Secondary trauma in law enforcement (German and English)
Organised by the Criminal Intelligence Service Austria
Experts: Gerald Tatzgern (Criminal Intelligence Service Austria), Horst Schiller (Criminal Intelligence Service
Austria), Gerry Foitik (Austrian Red Cross), Angelika Schäffer-Fischill (State Police Directorate)
It is an important challenge for trafficked persons to be able to view themselves as survivors of exploitation in
order to emerge from this crisis and distress stronger than before and come to terms with the past.
Much less attention has been paid to the police investigators, who need to conduct objective investigations
without facing secondary trauma. The workshop aims to discuss how to build resilience within law enforcement
with various stakeholders including civil society, in order to show common determination in the fight against
human trafficking.
Workshop 2 Safe and sound in Austria? Vulnerabilities and resilience of children from regions of crisis (English)
Organised by ECPAT Austria, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI) and the
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Experts: Bernhard Wetschko (IOM Austria), Gaynor Melanie Teff, (UNICEF), Barbara Preitler (Hemayat), Olga
Dunebabina (La Strada – Ukraine)
Crisis situations lead to increased risks of violence, abuse and exploitation, including human trafficking. Children
on the move are especially vulnerable, particularly when regular migration pathways are not available and when
children are travelling alone. Even after leaving a region in crisis, these vulnerabilities can persist due to a number
of reasons, such as psychological trauma, a lack of reliable information and the duration of asylum procedures.
At the same time, children can develop resilience strategies that can be fostered through interactions with and
support by relevant actors. Based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, state actors in particular have
obligations to protect children’s rights and ensure that decisions pertaining to them consider their best interest.
The workshop aims to shed light on the particular vulnerabilities of children in crisis situations, even after their
arrival in Austria. Discussions will additionally focus on the resilience of children and how relevant actors can
protect and empower children in the context of migration. Participants will have the opportunity to speak directly
with diverse experts in interactive formats about means for reducing the risks of child trafficking.
Workshop 3 Coming back stronger. Turning vulnerabilities into resilience (English)
Organised by LEFÖ-IBF und MEN VIA
Experts: Katarzyna Winiecka (UNDOK), Silke Albert (UNODC)
Trafficked persons end up in situations of exploitation for various reasons, and the ways in which affected children,
women, and men free themselves and build a self-determined future are just as diverse. In dealing with their vulnerability,
their individual strength, resources, and resilience become visible.
The perspectives and experiences of trafficked men and women represent indispensable expertise and should be
heard. Their knowledge is crucial to effectively develop measures against human trafficking – both nationally and
internationally – in a way that places their dignity, rights, and self-determination at the centre, and ensures they are
not defined solely by their status as victims. This workshop will discuss the conditions under which the participation
and perspectives of survivors can be actively enabled and promoted-on national and international level- in a dignified
manner.
PROGRAMME
16 October 2025
08:45 - 09:30 Registration
09:30 - 10:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Martin Eichtinger, Director of the Vienna School of
International Studies
Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner Internal Affairs and
Migration
Sabine Monauni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment
and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein
Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs
10:00 - 10:20 Keynote Speech
Silvia Exenberger, University of Innsbruck, Head and
Managing Director, Institute for Positive Psychology
and Resilience Research
10:20 - 10:40 Coffee break
10:40 - 11:50 Panel Discussion:
“Building Resilience Now: Preventing
Trafficking in Human Beings in Times
of Crisis“
Conny Rijken, Council of Europe, President of the Group
of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
(GRETA)
Tamara Schmidt, Director of LEFÖ-IBF
Olga Dunebabina, Strategic Communications Director at
the Human Rights NGO La Strada – Ukraine
Ivan Marques, Secretary for Multidimensional Security,
Organization of American States (OAS)
Moderator: Wolfgang Spadinger, Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
11:50 - 12:30 Discussion with the Audience
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30 - 16:00 Parallel Workshops (Vienna School of
International Studies and Online)
Workshop: Invisible vulnerabilities.
Secondary trauma in law enforcement
(German and English)
Criminal Intelligence Service Austria BK
Workshop: Safe and sound in Austria?
Vulnerabilities and resilience of children from
regions of crisis (English)
ECPAT Austria, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute
of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI) and
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Workshop: Coming back stronger. Turning
vulnerabilities into resilience (English)
LEFÖ-IBF and MEN VIA
16:00 - 16:30 Coffee break
16:30 - 17:00 Presentations by Workshop
Rapporteurs
Gerald Tatzgern, Head of Department - Smuggling,
Trafficking in Human Beings and Special Investigations,
Criminal Intelligence Service Austria
Helmut Sax, Senior Researcher, Ludwig Boltzmann
Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights
Manfred Buchner, Director MEN VIA
17:00 - 17:30 Discussion of Workshop Outcome
17:30 - 17:45 Closing Remarks
Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator tbc
Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and
Co-ordinator for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
Georg Stillfried, National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator
and Head of the Austrian Task Force on Combatting
Human Trafficking
1
2
3
Wiener Konferenz gegen Menschenhandel
GEMEINSAM RESILIENT: PRÄVENTION VON MENSCHENHANDEL IN KRISENZEITEN
16. Oktober 2025 Diplomatische Akademie Wien
TASK FORCE MENSCHENHANDEL
REGISTRATION
The conference is a public event and participation is free of charge. Participants are kindly requested to fill in the online registration form by 9 October 2025 available at this link. 150 people can participate in person while up to 500 can partake in the event online. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis.
Simultaneous interpretation (German, English) will be provided for the plenary session of the conference. The discussion of the workshop results and the closing of the conference will also be simultaneously interpreted. Links on how to attend the plenary session and the workshops, as well as technical instructions, will be sent shortly prior to the event.
For more information on combatting trafficking in human beings see:
PROGRAMM
16. Oktober 2025
08:45 - 09:30 Registrierung
09:30 - 10:00 Begrüßung und Eröffnung
Martin Eichtinger, Direktor der Diplomatischen
Akademie Wien
Magnus Brunner, Kommissar für Inneres und Migration
der Europäischen Union
Sabine Monauni, Ministerin für Äußeres, Umwelt und
Kultur des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
Nikolaus Marschik, Generalsekretär für auswärtige
Angelegenheiten
10:00 - 10:20 Keynote Speech
Silvia Exenberger, Universität Innsbruck, Leitung und
Geschäftsführung, Institut für positive Psychologie und
Resilienzforschung
10:20 - 10:40 Kaffeepause
10:40 - 11:50 Podiumsdiskussion zum Konferenzthema
„Gemeinsam Resilient: Prävention von
Menschenhandel in Krisenzeiten“
Conny Rijken, Europarat, Vorsitzende der Experten-
gruppe zur Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels (GRETA)
Tamara Schmidt, Leiterin LEFÖ-IBF
Olga Dunebabina, La-Strada Ukraine, Leiterin für
strategische Kommunikation der Menschenrechts-NGO
Ivan Marques, Sekretär für multidimensionale Sicherheits-
angelegenheiten, Organisation Amerikanischer Staaten
(OAS)
Moderator: Wolfgang Spadinger, Bundesministerium für
europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten
11:50 - 12:30 Diskussionsrunde mit dem Publikum
12:30 - 13:30 Mittagessen
13:30 - 16:00 Parallel abgehaltene Workshops
(Diplomatische Akademie und Online)
Workshop: Unsichtbare Verletzlichkeiten.
Sekundäre Traumatisierung bei Strafver-
folgungsbehörden. (Deutsch und Englisch)
Bundeskriminalamt BK
Workshop: Sicher in Österreich? Vulnerabilitäten
und Resilienz von Kindern aus Krisenregionen.
(Englisch)
ECPAT Österreich, Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für
Grund- und Menschenrechte (LBI) und Internationale
Organisation für Migration (IOM)
Workshop: Coming back stronger. Wie aus
Vulnerabilität Resilienz entstehen kann. (Englisch)
LEFÖ-IBF und MEN VIA
16:00 - 16:30 Kaffeepause
16:30 - 17:00 Präsentation der Ergebnisse der
Workshops
Gerald Tatzgern, Leiter der Abteilung – Schlepperei,
Menschenhandel und Sonderermittlungen;
Bundeskriminalamt
Helmut Sax, Senior Researcher, Ludwig Boltzmann
Institut für Grund- und Menschenrechte
Manfred Buchner, Leiter MEN VIA
17:00 - 17:30 Diskussion der Ergebnisse der
Workshops
17:30 - 17:45 Schlussworte
Diane Schmitt, EU-Koordinatorin für die Bekämpfung
des Menschenhandels tbc
Kari Johnstone, OSZE Sonderbeauftragte und
Koordinatorin zur Bekämpfung des Menschenhandels
Georg Stillfried, Nationaler Koordinator zur Bekämpfung
des Menschenhandels und Vorsitzender der Task Force
Menschenhandel
1
2
3
Vienna Conference on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
BUILDING RESILIENCE NOW: PREVENTING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS IN TIMES OF CRISIS 16 October 2025 Vienna School of International Studies
TASK FORCE
AUSTRIA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
ANMELDUNG
Die Veranstaltung ist öffentlich und ohne Teilnahmegebühr zugänglich. Teilnehmende werden gebeten, das Registrierungsformular des Events „Gemeinsam Resilient: Prävention von Menschenhandel in Krisenzeiten“ über den Link bis spätestens 9. Oktober 2025 auszufüllen. 150 Teilnehmende können vor Ort und bis zu 500 weitere virtuell an einer Diskussionsrunde teilnehmen. Registrierungen werden nach dem Zeitpunkt des Einlangens bearbeitet („first come, first served“).
Die Konferenz wird auf Deutsch und Englisch simultan gedolmetscht. Die auf die Workshops folgende Diskussion der Ergebnisse und der Abschluss der Konferenz werden auch simultan gedolmetscht.
Die Zusendung der Zugangslinks für den virtuellen Beitritt zur Plenarveranstaltung und dem gewählten Workshop erfolgt wenige Tage vor der Veranstaltung. Ebenso erhalten alle angemeldeten Personen eine technische Anleitung.
Weitere Informationen zum Kampf gegen den Menschenhandel finden Sie hier:
Trafficking in human beings remains a global phenomenon with a cross-border dimension. Decisive actions
based on international collaboration as well as the development of sustainable, long-term strategies are key to
combatting this crime. The need for action is urgent in light of current global crises and the emergence of new
forms and channels for committing trafficking in human beings.
This includes preventive measures, the protection of survivors, prosecution and international cooperation. This
holistic approach to combatting human trafficking addresses the issue on multiple levels, focusing on a victim-
centred, trauma-sensitive and interdisciplinary approach.
The fight against human trafficking has been one of the main priorities of Austria’s foreign policy since the
establishment of the Task Force on Combatting Human Trafficking in 2004. Since 2007, the Task Force has
organised the conference in cooperation with its partners, including the Principality of Liechtenstein, the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the OSCE. The event, which takes place in connection with
the EU Anti-Trafficking Day is one of the measures of the Austrian National Action Plan for Combatting Trafficking
in Human Beings. The event takes place annually with the participation of national and international experts and
is a proven communication forum, as well as a strategic instrument with a different focus each year. The goal of
the conference is to exchange experiences and raise awareness of existing challenges in the fight against human
trafficking. A range of workshops allow an in-depth look at the topics of the conference.
This year’s conference, under the heading “Building Resilience Now: Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings in Times of Crisis”, takes place in a hybrid format on 16 October 2025 at the Vienna School of International
Studies and online.
Resilience against re-traumatisation and re-victimisation has political and social relevance and is of great
importance both in the psychological debate and the care of survivors. The focus lies on strengthening vulnerable
Concept Note
Vienna Conference on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings
BUILDING RESILIENCE NOW: PREVENTING TRAFFICKING IN
HUMAN BEINGS IN TIMES OF CRISIS 16 October 2025 Vienna School of International Studies
TASK FORCE
AUSTRIA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
groups regarding the risks of trafficking in human beings. It is also essential to sensitize society as a whole and
establish effective systems against trafficking to prepare for foreseeable as well as for unexpected challenges.
Current crises pose new hurdles for combatting human trafficking: natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts and
hybrid threats increase risks of human trafficking, while creating opportunities for criminal networks. In view
of the ongoing shift of trafficking in human beings into virtual spaces, new measures are necessary to increase
resilience in the digital world. Information on prevention and counselling offer are just as essential as including
survivor’s perspectives to better understand the inherent dangers in the digital sphere. It is equally important
to employ digital tools in the fight against human trafficking. These aspects will be addressed in more detail in
the course of the workshops.
Workshops
Workshop 1 Invisible vulnerabilities. Secondary trauma in law enforcement (German and English)
Organised by the Criminal Intelligence Service Austria
Experts: Gerald Tatzgern (Criminal Intelligence Service Austria), Horst Schiller (Criminal Intelligence Service
Austria), Gerry Foitik (Austrian Red Cross), Angelika Schäffer-Fischill (State Police Directorate)
It is an important challenge for trafficked persons to be able to view themselves as survivors of exploitation in
order to emerge from this crisis and distress stronger than before and come to terms with the past.
Much less attention has been paid to the police investigators, who need to conduct objective investigations
without facing secondary trauma. The workshop aims to discuss how to build resilience within law enforcement
with various stakeholders including civil society, in order to show common determination in the fight against
human trafficking.
Workshop 2 Safe and sound in Austria? Vulnerabilities and resilience of children from regions of crisis (English)
Organised by ECPAT Austria, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI) and the
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Experts: Bernhard Wetschko (IOM Austria), Gaynor Melanie Teff, (UNICEF), Barbara Preitler (Hemayat), Olga
Dunebabina (La Strada – Ukraine)
Crisis situations lead to increased risks of violence, abuse and exploitation, including human trafficking. Children
on the move are especially vulnerable, particularly when regular migration pathways are not available and when
children are travelling alone. Even after leaving a region in crisis, these vulnerabilities can persist due to a number
of reasons, such as psychological trauma, a lack of reliable information and the duration of asylum procedures.
At the same time, children can develop resilience strategies that can be fostered through interactions with and
support by relevant actors. Based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, state actors in particular have
obligations to protect children’s rights and ensure that decisions pertaining to them consider their best interest.
The workshop aims to shed light on the particular vulnerabilities of children in crisis situations, even after their
arrival in Austria. Discussions will additionally focus on the resilience of children and how relevant actors can
protect and empower children in the context of migration. Participants will have the opportunity to speak directly
with diverse experts in interactive formats about means for reducing the risks of child trafficking.
Workshop 3 Coming back stronger. Turning vulnerabilities into resilience (English)
Organised by LEFÖ-IBF und MEN VIA
Experts: Katarzyna Winiecka (UNDOK), Silke Albert (UNODC)
Trafficked persons end up in situations of exploitation for various reasons, and the ways in which affected children,
women, and men free themselves and build a self-determined future are just as diverse. In dealing with their vulnerability,
their individual strength, resources, and resilience become visible.
The perspectives and experiences of trafficked men and women represent indispensable expertise and should be
heard. Their knowledge is crucial to effectively develop measures against human trafficking – both nationally and
internationally – in a way that places their dignity, rights, and self-determination at the centre, and ensures they are
not defined solely by their status as victims. This workshop will discuss the conditions under which the participation
and perspectives of survivors can be actively enabled and promoted-on national and international level- in a dignified
manner.