Human trafficking is a migration issue. While movements across and within borders increase, it has remained largely invisible and complex to address. Children and women are also faced with rising threats of abuse and exploitation, especially those on the move.

In this episode, ICMPD Senior Researcher Madalina Lepsa-Rogoz and Sergio Rivera Reyes of Fundación Renacer (Colombia) discuss the HEROES Project in more depth. The research component of HEROES has led to the development of a Manual of new tools and strategies to detect and protect victims of human trafficking, child sexual abuse, and child online sexual exploitation; and to support them in case management and referral services. They also talk about the nuances and forms of trafficking and abuse across the countries covered; and how the Manual is helping first-line responders such as social workers, health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement officers in their work to detect, protect, and refer victims to support services.

Read more about the HEROES Project here, including access to download a copy of the Manual.