Key learnings from four years of work against human trafficking
Since 2019, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, in close collaboration with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), has run the CAPE project – a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. The project has now culminated in a final report: a roadmap highlighting central insights and future directions.
“We see that the work within CAPE has played an important role in bringing the issue of labour exploitation to the forefront in Sweden,” says Paulina Bolton, Analyst at the National Coordination Against Prostitution and Human Trafficking, Swedish Gender Equality Agency.
Important lessons from four years of work
The CAPE project was initiated in response to the need to deepen knowledge on how human trafficking for forced labour can be countered. The project has included research studies, an information campaign targeting migrant workers, an international conference, and study visits to three European countries that have come further in this area. Authorities and civil society actors from Sweden participated in these exchanges to learn from successful approaches.
The roadmap summarises the project’s most important conclusions. Among other things, it highlights the importance of:
- Linking governmental anti-trafficking efforts with businesses' sustainability work
- Ensuring the judicial system allocates sufficient resources to pursue trafficking investigations
- Increasing knowledge within the courts about human trafficking and victims' vulnerability
- Conducting joint inspections with a clear focus and strategic direction
- Guaranteeing workers access to legal support to claim unpaid wages
Another goal of CAPE has been to share international insights with Swedish authorities. The role of CBSS has been crucial in enabling collaboration with key actors in other European countries.
Future work and implementation of the lessons learned
Looking ahead, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency – through the National Coordination Against Prostitution and Human Trafficking – will continue to support authorities in implementing the lessons, including through ongoing work within the joint government initiative to combat labour market crime.
“The roadmap is not merely a summary of what has been done, but a practical framework for how the work can continue,” says Paulina Bolton.
What is CBSS?
The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is an intergovernmental cooperation body that brings together the countries around the Baltic Sea to promote political dialogue and regional collaboration. CBSS works on issues related to democracy, human rights, security, sustainability, and social welfare. A key aspect of their work is coordinating efforts against human trafficking and exploitation in the Baltic Sea region. With its broad network, CBSS has played a pivotal role in the CAPE project by enabling contact with relevant actors in other European countries. The cooperation took place in partnership with the CBSS Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Swedish Gender Equality Agency works with CBSS on violence-related issues, particularly in relation to prostitution and human trafficking.
You can read the full report here: A roadmap for Sweden effectively identifying, disrupting och countering trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation.
Publication date: 14 April 2025
Last updated: 14 May 2025