People fleeing areas of military conflict seeking protection in other countries are extremely vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation.

Human trafficking is a serious crime against the person, associated with a serious violation of human rights and abuse of human dignity.

Human trafficking always involves the exploitation of victims in various forms:

• sexual exploitation, including forced prostitution;
• forced/forced labour;
• slavery, forced servitude and similar practices;
• organ harvesting;
• begging and other forced criminal activities.

In Bulgaria, the use of services provided by victims of trafficking is a crime.

What to watch out for:

• Do not give your identity documents to anyone except the authorities.
• Do not reveal how much cash you have or give your personal belongings, especially your mobile phone, to others.
• Always inform your loved ones of your whereabouts and keep in touch with them if possible.
• Be careful when arranging transport and accommodation.
• When you are offered a job, study the offer and, in case of doubt, contact the authorities.

In case of a risky situation, seek help and call the following phone numbers:

• Single European emergency number: 112
• National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking: + 359 2 807 80 50
• National Hotline to Combat Human Trafficking (A21 Campaign Foundation): 0800 20 100
• Hotline (Executive Agency “Main Labor Inspectorate”): 0700 17 670
• National telephone line for children (State Agency for Child Protection): 116 111
• Hotline for victims of violence (Animus Association Foundation): 080018676; (+35929817686)