Today in Liège, various actors, including EMN Belgium, came together to launch the “Blue Heart” campaign to fight against human trafficking. This United Nations campaign encourages everyone to take action to help stop human trafficking and fight its impact on society. It allows to show solidarity with the victims. This year, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the worrying developments and trends identified by the United Nations Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022 and calls for intensified efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims. The theme for this year 2023 is: “Reach every victim of human trafficking, leave no one behind”.

The federal government supports the “Blue Heart” campaign, in collaboration with the local authorities, the three specialised reception centers (PAG-ASA, Payoke and Sürya) and Myria. During the launch of the campaign in Liège, the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne inaugurated the unique telephone number - 078 055 800 - of the Belgian helpline for victims of human trafficking. This number supplements the website set up in 2022 - now available in 24 languages (https://www.stophumantrafficking.be/) - via which victims, persons concerned, or witnesses can obtain information and file reports.

The “Blue Heart” campaign ends on 30 July with the “World Day Against Human Trafficking”. On this occasion, various events are planned in Brussels and elsewhere in the country. In Brussels, the Manneken-Pis will wear his (blue heart) costume, an awareness stand run by PAG-ASA will be present at the Carrefour de l'Europe, opposite the Central Station and the Brussels City Hall (Grand-Place - 1000) will be illuminated during the evening. Many other cities, such as Tournai, Mouscron, Charleroi, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Halle, etc., are also joining the campaign through various initiatives.

For more information, please visit the United Nations website and the FPS Justice website. Also check your municipality's website to find out about possible events planned as part of the campaign and the World Day Against Human Trafficking.