RENATE Country Board Meeting 2026 Madrid

From March 23rd to 28th, members of the RENATE Country Board gathered in Madrid to listen, discern, plan, learn, organise, reflect, share, and shape future actions. It was a full and engaging week. While the work was often intense and intellectually demanding, we made time to step outside between sessions for walks around the city—moments that proved both restorative and necessary.

In this brief report, I present accessible summaries of key discussions, contributions, and areas of work from across the week. Links to the full reports are included in this introduction, though all materials can also be found on this page as you scroll below.

Between each section, you will find a carousel of photographs from Madrid—I hope they offer a sense of place and a moment of pause as you read.

The report includes:

Reflections on the work of the police in Spain and their efforts to combat human trafficking (Click HERE to view or scroll below)
Insights into the contribution of Spanish NGOs partnering with law enforcement to support victims. (Click HERE to view or scroll below)
Consideration of the response of the Church in Spain to human trafficking. (Click HERE to view or scroll below)
A valuable input on the web platform OnlyFans and its role in facilitating exploitation and creating new victims. (Click HERE to view or scroll below)
A short contribution from Sr. Abby Avelino of Talitha Kum, shared during her address to the Board
My Country Board report
A short report from the RENATE Communications Team
A Fragile Life – a Ukrainian book presented in images
RENATE: Making Plans. (Click HERE to view or scroll below)
Law Task Group Report (Click HERE to view or scroll below)

Kind regards,
Brian

Members of the RENATE County Board Group 2026

This SDG emblem was photographed on the inside of the local school door. It was huge and is the first thing every child and parent saw when they arrived at school. We need to make more of an effort in Ireland.

Sr. Begona Inarra is a member of the RENATE Country Board for Spain and was key to organising so much of what happened for us in terms of presentations and local arrangements. Here she is being presented with a gift by Anne Kelleher of RENATE for her work in preparing for our attendance. I'm posting Begona's photo here as the first part of this report concerns the Spanish police NGOs and Church response to Human Trafficking and I offer a synopsis of this below.

The photo above was taken of the entire RENATE group including the Spanish Contingent that were so giving in terms of their time, expertise and experience as they shared with us the details of their work on Human Trafficking.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

On Day one of our meetings we were spoken to by many high ranking representatives of the Spanish Police force on the serious manner in which they take on board the issues that relate to human trafficking and their presentation represented for all gathered the views of the state. I have tried to organise their presentations into an easy read below the photos.

Spain and Human Trafficking: A Nation Responding with Resolve and Compassion

Human trafficking in Spain is both a serious and evolving reality, and one that is being met with determination, coordination, and growing awareness. Across the country, law enforcement, civil society, and state services are working together to confront exploitation in all its forms—yet the scale and complexity of the issue continue to stretch already limited resources.

A United Front Against Trafficking

Spain stands out for its coordinated national response. While policing is regionally structured, human trafficking is the one crime that consistently brings all forces together in a unified effort.

There are 50 specialised police units dedicated to combating trafficking
966 individuals are currently imprisoned for trafficking-related offences
Investigations are ongoing across urban and rural regions

Alongside law enforcement, non-governmental organisations, including the Red Cross and Cáritas Spain, play a crucial role in:

Supporting survivors and families
Acting as cultural mediators
Providing shelter, advocacy, and rehabilitation services

Despite this strong collaboration, both state and non-state actors remain seriously under-resourced, limiting their ability to respond fully to the scale of need.

The Scale and Nature of the Problem

Trafficking in Spain is not limited to one form. Increasingly:

Labour exploitation is nearly as prevalent as sexual exploitation
Victims are found in sectors such as:
- Agriculture (including illegal cannabis cultivation)
- Construction
- Domestic work
- Forced begging and online exploitation

Authorities consistently emphasise a critical truth:

Without demand, there would be no human trafficking.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Rural Exploitation

While trafficking is often associated with cities, many cases in Spain are uncovered in rural and isolated areas.

Sudden population increases in small towns—so-called “dormitory towns”—can signal exploitation
For example, a town of 1,000 receiving 400 new arrivals raises immediate concern

This type of intelligence gathering is essential for early detection and intervention.

Labour Trafficking: A Crisis of Invisibility

One of the most urgent challenges is the identification and protection of victims of labour exploitation.

Victims often endure:

Debt bondage, with ever-increasing, unpayable debts
Long working hours (12–14 hours daily)
Little or no pay
Substandard living conditions (e.g. €120 per week for a shared mattress)
Dangerous work without training or equipment
Immediate expulsion if ill or injured

When discovered, many victims:

Appear as undocumented migrants
Feel shame and fear
Risk criminalisation rather than protection

This creates a cycle of invisibility and vulnerability that is difficult to break.

Migration Routes and Emerging Patterns

Trafficking routes are constantly shifting. One striking example involves Nepalese migrants:

Initially trafficked to Romania for work
Forced onward due to economic downturn
Some ultimately walk across Europe to Spain in search of opportunity

This highlights the transnational and adaptive nature of trafficking networks.

Barriers to Justice and Protection

Despite progress, significant legal and structural barriers remain:

Limited authority to search private homes, where exploitation may occur
A fragmented legal framework, lacking a comprehensive anti-trafficking law
Victim identification is largely restricted to law enforcement, limiting access to support

A particularly troubling reality:

Over 790 trafficked victims have been convicted for crimes committed while under exploitation

This underscores the urgent need for:

Stronger victim protection
Legal reform
Recognition of coercion and exploitation in judicial processes

Witness Protection and Fear

Since 2007, Spain has recognised the importance of witness protection, yet challenges persist:

Prosecutions are often lengthy
Victims are terrified to testify
Fear of retaliation, deportation, or criminalisation silences many

As one guiding principle states:

“Where there are no prosecutions, the victim is doubly abused.”

Prevention Through Education

Spanish police and partner organisations increasingly prioritise education and awareness as key prevention tools.

However, new challenges are emerging:

Family-based exploitation, where relatives traffic or exploit their own members
The normalisation of exploitative practices in economically vulnerable communities

Key Developments in 2026

Spain remains a Tier 1 country in global anti-trafficking standards, yet acknowledges ongoing challenges.

Important milestones include:

January 27, 2026: Approval of a draft measure to regularise up to 700,000 migrants, reducing vulnerability to exploitation
July 15, 2026: Deadline to implement EU Directive 2024/1712 into national law
December 16–17, 2026: Barcelona to host the International Conference on Human Trafficking, Exploitation and Slavery

These developments signal a commitment to reform and international cooperation.

A Shared Commitment: Voices from the Field

At gatherings such as the RENATE meeting, there is deep appreciation among those working in:

Prevention
Survivor support
Advocacy
Training and shelter provision

There is a shared recognition that:

Progress is being made
Collaboration is strong
But much more is needed

Conclusion: Hope Amid Complexity

Spain’s response to human trafficking is marked by serious intent, collaboration, and compassion. Yet the challenges are profound:

Evolving trafficking methods
Hidden labour exploitation
Legal and resource constraints
The ongoing vulnerability of migrants and marginalised groups

The path forward requires:

Stronger laws and enforcement powers
Greater investment in services
Enhanced victim protection
Continued public awareness and education

Above all, it requires a collective commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of every person—ensuring that those who are exploited are not forgotten, but seen, supported, and set free.

This input was excellent

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

NGOs working with Victims of Human Trafficking

Click on the photos below as they are in a carousel of about 12 that give some indication of the work that the NGOs undertake to support victims.

Walking with the Wounded: NGOs Accompanying Victims of Human Trafficking in Spain

In Spain’s response to human trafficking, non-governmental organisations stand at the human heart of the struggle. Where law enforcement investigates and prosecutes, NGOs accompany, listen, and restore. Their work is slow, relational, and deeply মানব—grounded in empathy, dignity, and long-term commitment to healing lives fractured by exploitation.

A Ministry of Presence and Compassion

After hearing from police and state actors, the voice of NGOs reveals another essential truth:
recovery from trafficking is not immediate—it takes time, trust, and tenderness.

NGOs:

Accompany survivors through trauma and uncertainty
Listen without judgement
Respond with empathy, patience, and kindness

Many of those supported are women—primarily from:

Colombia
Democratic Republic of Congo
Venezuela
Brazil
Paraguay
Peru

These women often arrive having endured:

Severe and prolonged violence
Psychological trauma and mental health difficulties
Physical disabilities or chronic conditions

Their needs are complex, requiring holistic and sustained care.

Essential Services: Meeting Immediate and Long-Term Needs

NGOs across Spain provide a continuum of care that responds to both crisis and recovery:

Street outreach, meeting women where they are
Day centres, offering safety, rest, and connection
Emergency accommodation and shelters
Reception and accompaniment services
Support for children, who are often invisible victims of trafficking

These services are not optional—they are lifelines.

Cáritas Española: A National Network of Care

At the centre of this work is Cáritas Española, a vast confederation of diocesan organisations linked to the Catholic Church.

Founded in 1947, it operates through:
- Over 5,400 parish groups
- Around 71,000 volunteers and 5,800 staff
It supports millions of people, particularly migrants and those most excluded from society

Its mission is clear: to promote human dignity, justice, and integral development, especially for the most vulnerable

Specialised Anti-Trafficking Initiatives

Cáritas works directly with victims of trafficking through targeted programmes, supporting thousands of women each year.

Key initiatives include:

“Jere Jere” Project (Valencia)
Providing comprehensive care for women affected by gender-based violence and trafficking
“Azotheistas” Project (Canary Islands)
Creating safe spaces where survivors of sexual exploitation can:
- Meet
- Share experiences
- Advocate for change
Integration and Reintegration Support
Across regions such as Madrid, Cáritas provides:
- Safe housing and shared apartments
- Legal advice and assistance with documentation
- Employment training and pathways to independence

This approach recognises that freedom from trafficking must be accompanied by a path to stability and dignity.

Advocacy and Global Solidarity

Cáritas Española is not only a service provider—it is also a powerful advocate for systemic change.

As part of COATNET (Christian Organisations Against Trafficking Network), it collaborates with over 40 organisations globally to:

Share expertise
Raise awareness
Influence policy

Its advocacy priorities include:

Laws addressing all forms of trafficking, not only sexual exploitation
Ensuring victim protection takes precedence over criminalisation
Promoting the non-punishment principle for victims coerced into crime

The Human Reality Behind the Work

Behind every statistic is a story.

NGOs encounter women who:

Carry deep trauma and fear
Struggle with identity, trust, and belonging
Are navigating motherhood while recovering from exploitation

They also encounter resilience:

Women rebuilding their lives
Survivors supporting one another
Communities slowly becoming places of refuge

As one reflection emerging from this work suggests:
healing begins when someone walks beside you and refuses to let you disappear.

Working in Partnership—Yet Under Pressure

NGOs in Spain work in close partnership with:

Police
Social services
Faith-based and community organisations

However, like their state counterparts, they are chronically under-resourced. The scale of trafficking far exceeds the capacity of existing services, placing pressure on:

Shelter availability
Long-term support programmes
Specialist care for trauma and mental health

Conclusion: Restoring Dignity, One Life at a Time

The work of NGOs in Spain reveals a profound truth:
ending human trafficking is not only about stopping crime—it is about restoring lives.

Through accompaniment, advocacy, and unwavering compassion, organisations like Cáritas Española:

Create spaces of safety
Rebuild dignity
Offer hope where it has been systematically stripped away

In a world where exploitation thrives on invisibility, their work ensures that victims are seen, heard, and never abandoned.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

OnlyFans

We were given a very interesting and informative presentation about OnlyFans, an emerging demand driven technology that creates more and more victims and can use AI as a tool to recruit, I have tired to gather all the information into an easy to read format below.

OnlyFans: The Hidden Costs Behind a Digital Gold Rush

What is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a content subscription platform where creators, ranging from adult performers to influencers, monetise their work by charging fans monthly subscriptions, tips, or pay-per-view fees for exclusive photos, videos, and live streams. While popular for adult content, it hosts diverse creators, often allowing for creator / fan engagement.

OnlyFans is often presented as a modern, flexible way to earn income online. Marketed as empowering and accessible, it appears—on the surface—like a user-controlled platform where creators monetise content directly. However, beneath this polished image lies a complex ecosystem shaped by exploitation risks, aggressive intermediaries, and significant personal, financial, and psychological costs.

1. A Platform Built for the Porn Economy

OnlyFans is fundamentally an emerging technology designed by and for the online adult content industry. While it hosts various types of creators, its infrastructure, monetisation tools, and audience dynamics are deeply rooted in pornography-driven demand.

Despite its “mainstream” and social-media-friendly appearance—often resembling platforms like Twitter—it operates within a high-risk commercial environment where content, bodies, and identities are commodified.

2. The Financial Reality: Who Really Profits?

The promise of “easy money” is one of OnlyFans’ most powerful recruitment tools—but it is often misleading.

Platform Fees: OnlyFans itself takes 20% of all creator earnings.
Agency Cuts: Many creators are managed by third-party agencies that can take 40–80% of remaining income.

These agencies:

Recruit and onboard creators
Manage social media accounts
Produce and schedule content
Use marketing strategies to build subscriber bases

While they offer visibility, they often come at a substantial financial and personal cost, leaving creators with a fraction of their earnings.

3. The Rise of “Agencies” and “Gurus”

A growing layer of intermediaries—often called “gurus”—promote OnlyFans as a business opportunity. They sell:

Training courses
Growth strategies
“Insider secrets”

In reality:

Their primary income often comes from selling advice, not creating content
They promote a high-income narrative that only a small minority achieve
They actively recruit young people, presenting the platform as low-risk and lucrative

This ecosystem has been described as a form of “e-pimping”, where control and profit shift away from creators to managers and marketers.

4. Targeting Young People and Normalising Entry

Young women—and increasingly young men—are specifically targeted through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Common entry points include:

Selling “fit pics” (fitness or body images)
Gradual escalation into more explicit content
Messaging that emphasises quick money and flexible work, particularly appealing to:
- Students
- Young mothers
- Financially vulnerable individuals

The narrative that “OnlyFans is not a full-time job” can obscure the intensive labour and risks involved.

5. Algorithmic Recruitment and Mass Advertising

With the use of AI-driven tools and bot systems, agencies can:

Mass-advertise to thousands of potential recruits
Identify and target individuals based on engagement patterns
Scale outreach rapidly, knowing only a small percentage need to convert

This creates a high-volume recruitment funnel, intensifying exposure among vulnerable groups.

6. Control, Coercion, and Sextortion

Once recruited, creators may face strict control mechanisms:

Agents may demand:
- Daily content production
- Specific, personalised content for clients
Refusal can lead to threats, including sextortion:
- The threat of releasing private or explicit content
- Financial penalties or account control

This dynamic creates a power imbalance, where creators feel unable to withdraw or set boundaries

7. Payment Systems and Financial Control

Payment structures can further entrench dependency:

Platforms like Paxum are often used for cross-border payments
Agencies may establish joint accounts, allowing them to:
- Monitor earnings
- Control withdrawals
- Exert additional leverage over creators

Combined with microtransactions (tips, pay-per-view messages, subscriptions), earnings become fragmented and difficult to track—especially across jurisdictions with varying legal protections.

8. Privacy, Safety, and Legal Risks

The risks to personal safety and long-term security are significant:

Doxing: Personal details (name, address) can be leaked
Content Piracy: Images and videos are frequently redistributed without consent
Stalking & Harassment: Direct access to creators increases vulnerability
Cross-Border Legal Complexity: Content, payments, and exploitation may span multiple jurisdictions, complicating legal recourse

Once content is online, control is effectively lost permanently.

9. Psychological and Social Impact

The emotional toll of participation is often underestimated:

Loss of identity: Blurring of personal and professional boundaries
Objectification: Being treated as a commodity rather than a person
Escalation pressure: Increasingly explicit content to retain subscribers
Relationship strain: Difficulty maintaining trust and intimacy
Mental health challenges: Anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress

10. The Myth of Easy Income

For most creators:

Income is low and unstable
Success requires:
- Constant content production
- Continuous engagement with subscribers
- Strategic marketing

The market is increasingly saturated, meaning:

Only a small percentage achieve high earnings
Many invest time and effort with minimal return

Conclusion: A High-Risk Digital Economy

While OnlyFans is often framed as empowering and entrepreneurial, the reality is far more complex. It is a platform shaped by:

Unequal financial structures
Aggressive recruitment systems
Weak protections for creators
Significant personal and long-term risks

For many, the true cost extends beyond time and labour—to include privacy, autonomy, mental health, and future opportunities.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

The Church Response to the issue of Human Trafficking

Hope and Service at the Edge: The Brothers Who Choose to Be Close

At the geographical and human crossroads of migration, the Canary Islands have become more than a point of arrival—they are a place of encounter, vulnerability, and hope. Here, where journeys marked by danger and desperation come to land, the witness of the Hermanos de la Cruz Blanca (Brothers of the White Cross) shines with quiet courage.

Their mission is simple, yet profoundly demanding:
to be close to those furthest behind.

A Presence That Transforms

Br. Miguel Ángel López, a Brother of the White Cross, speaks not first of services or systems, but of presence.

To accompany.
To remain.
To witness.

In a world often driven by efficiency and outcomes, the Brothers choose something deeper—relationship. Their work is rooted in the belief that transformation begins when a person is seen, welcomed, and valued.

Their motto, “Hope and Service,” is not aspirational—it is lived daily in homes filled beyond capacity, in conversations held with gentleness, and in lives slowly rebuilt.

The Canary Islands: A Meeting Place of Humanity

Given their location off the northwest coast of Africa, it is no surprise that the Canary Islands have become a significant entry point for migrants travelling the perilous Atlantic route.

Men, women, and children arrive:

Exhausted
Traumatised
Often carrying stories of violence, loss, and survival

In this context, the Brothers’ work becomes both urgent and sacred.

Opening Doors Beyond Capacity

The Brothers operate home-based, family-oriented centres designed to welcome and accompany those in need.

Facilities built for 300 people have welcomed up to 700
No one is turned away lightly
Every person is received as a guest, not a burden

Working in tandem with the Ministry of Migration, they provide:

Emergency accommodation
Food and clothing
Safety and stability in the first fragile days after arrival

Yet their vision goes far beyond immediate care.

From Shelter to Selfhood

The Brothers seek not only to assist, but to empower.

Their mission is to:

Identify each person’s needs and story
Accompany them through trauma and transition
Welcome them into a community of care
Equip them for the future

Their ultimate hope is that each person becomes:

“the author of their own transformation.”

This includes:

Language support
Assistance with legal documentation
Educational and social integration pathways

Caring for the Whole Person

What distinguishes the work of the Brothers is their commitment to holistic care:

Psychosocial support for those traumatised by dangerous journeys
Spiritual care, offered freely and respectfully to all, regardless of religion or belief
Community life, restoring a sense of belonging and dignity

They recognise that healing is not only physical or legal—it is deeply human and spiritual.

The Hidden Struggle of Men

While many challenges are shared across all who are trafficked or displaced, Br. Miguel Ángel highlights a less visible reality: the experience of men.

Many men they encounter feel:

Ashamed
Emasculated
Afraid
Even guilty for their situation

These emotions can make identification and support more difficult. Men may:

Hide their vulnerability
Resist seeking help
Struggle to articulate trauma

The Brothers respond with patience and sensitivity, creating spaces where men can rediscover dignity without judgement.

A Ministry of Witness and Advocacy

The work of the Brothers extends beyond care into advocacy:

Standing alongside those who are often unseen
Giving voice to the realities of migration and exploitation
Challenging systems that leave people behind

Their presence itself becomes a form of prophetic witness—a reminder that no one is disposable.

Part of a Wider Humanitarian Response

The Brothers of the White Cross are part of a broader network of faith-based and humanitarian organisations responding to the migrant crisis in the Canary Islands.

Together, they:

Provide emergency and long-term support
Address the needs of unaccompanied minors
Work towards integration and independence

In a region marked by high arrivals from West Africa, their role is both critical and compassionate.

Conclusion: Choosing Closeness in a Divided World

In a time when borders harden and fear can dominate the narrative, the Hermanos de la Cruz Blanca offer a different response:

To draw near rather than withdraw
To welcome rather than exclude
To serve with hope rather than despair

Their witness reminds us that real change begins not with systems alone, but with the courage to be close.

And in that closeness, lives are not only supported—they are restored, reimagined, and renewed.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

At the end of one of our days we were spoken to by Sr. Abby Avelino who is the coordinator of Talitha Kum. She was keen to mention all ongoing training, the Walking in Dignity App, ongoing Advocacy, Youth Ambassadors Programme, St. Bakhita Day and the need to extend our reach.

Much of the work of the Annual Board Meeting came in the form of the Country Reports. I offered my contribution from Ireland below.

403a FINAL RENATE Country Report Ireland 2026.pdf

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

RENATE has two Co-Presidents and a Core Group.

Communications in RENATE

Anne Kelleher and Sorcha Mallen speaking on their work in Communications in RENATE

A presentation copy of a book entitled Fragile Life was presented to the CO-President by Natalya Holinska of Ukraine. This book detailed the plight of those trafficked in conflict situations. I managed to photograph all the pages of this book. Click on the carousel of photos below.

Other important work considered RENATE as an NGO and the future and we worked in groups to prepare responses that would be the topic of meetings to come.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

Shaping the Future with Heart: Preparing for the 2027 RENATE Assembly

As momentum builds towards the 2027 RENATE Assembly, recent discussions at the Annual Board Meeting have begun to shape a rich and forward-looking agenda. Drawing on shared experience, prior submissions, and emerging European realities, the Assembly promises to be both reflective and action-oriented—grounded in the lived realities of human trafficking and the collective mission to respond.

Over the coming year, themes raised in these conversations will be refined and developed, ensuring that the Assembly becomes a space of deep engagement, learning, and renewed commitment.

Listening, Learning, and Responding to a Changing Landscape

The complexity of human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring responses that are informed, collaborative, and courageous. Among the key issues identified for further exploration are:

The Rise of the Far Right
Exploring its impact on migration, policy, and vulnerability
Demand
Understanding and addressing the drivers that sustain exploitation
Supply Chains
Examining labour exploitation within global production systems
The Digital World and Human Trafficking
Including the role of AI, platforms like OnlyFans, and online recruitment
Prevention
Strengthening early intervention and awareness strategies
Vulnerable Populations
Ensuring those most at risk are identified and protected
People on the Move
Considering the impact of climate change, conflict, and economic instability
The Manosphere
Analysing online cultures that influence attitudes towards women and exploitation
Pornography
Reflecting on its intersection with trafficking and exploitation

A Commitment to Collaboration and Inclusion

Central to the Assembly will be a strong emphasis on working together across sectors and traditions:

Interfaith Responses
Building unity across faith communities in addressing trafficking
Partnerships and Collaboration
Strengthening networks at local, national, and international levels
Advocacy and Policy
Influencing systems and structures for long-term change
Volunteering
Recognising and supporting grassroots engagement

Placing People at the Centre

At the heart of RENATE’s mission is a commitment to human dignity and survivor-centred care. The Assembly will continue to prioritise:

Survivor-Centred Support
Ensuring responses are shaped by lived experience
Being Present
Valuing accompaniment and relational approaches
Education
Equipping communities with knowledge and tools for action
Dignity
Upholding the inherent worth of every person

Creating Space for Encounter and Exchange

The Assembly will not only address complex issues but also foster connection and shared learning through:

Workshops and interactive sessions
Expert speakers and lived-experience voices
Opportunities for dialogue and reflection

Even the simple act of sharing food is recognised as an important element—creating space for community, conversation, and solidarity.

Honouring the Journey, Looking Ahead

As RENATE prepares for this important gathering, there will also be space to reflect on the history and evolution of the network—recognising the commitment, growth, and impact achieved over the years.

Conclusion: A Shared Path Forward

The 2027 RENATE Assembly is shaping up to be more than a meeting—it is an opportunity to discern, connect, and act together in response to one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.

With hearts attentive to the signs of the times and a shared commitment to justice, the journey towards the Assembly invites all involved to continue:

Listening deeply
Collaborating widely
Acting courageously

And above all, to remain rooted in the enduring call to uphold the dignity of every human person.

I took as many photos as I could to share with all, to appreciate the moment, the place and the event. Click on any photo in the carousel of 25 photos below.

At the RENATE Country Board Meeting I was asked to prepare a piece on the work of the Law Task Group for this meeting and using the work that we have done to date and the contribution I made to the RENATE CSW 70 Presentation I delivered the report below:

There were also reports from the law task group and other task groups like the House of Prayer, Advocacy, Awareness Raising and Shelter Groups as well as a presentataion by Anne Kelleher and Sorcha Mallen as part of the Communications Team.

406a Final Law Task Group Country Board Meeting Madrid 2026.pdf

Justice Beyond Freedom: Advancing Compensation for Victims of Human Trafficking Across Europe

Introduction: Why Compensation Matters

Across Europe, survivors of human trafficking are told they are free. In some cases, traffickers are prosecuted, and justice appears to have been served. But for many victims, this is only part of the story. True justice must include compensation—a recognition of harm, a restoration of dignity, and a pathway to rebuilding life.

As highlighted by RENATE, “compensation is not optional. It is justice.”

Yet, despite legal frameworks and commitments, compensation rarely reaches those who need it most. This proposed RENATE research seeks to understand why—and how this can change.

A Fragmented Landscape Across Europe

One of the central challenges is inconsistency. Access to compensation varies significantly across countries. As noted by RENATE, “In one country, a survivor may receive support. In another, they receive nothing.” This fragmentation creates inequality in access to justice. Victims’ rights should not depend on geography, yet in practice, they often do.

Scope and Methodology of the Proposed Research

The proposed research will begin with a desk-based comparative study, conducted in partnership with universities and researchers across RENATE member countries. The approach will be modular, allowing continuous updates and expansion.

Core Research Questions

Across each country, the research will examine:

What compensation schemes exist (state, civil, criminal, private)?
How accessible and effective are these schemes?
How well are they understood and utilised by victims?
What are the timelines and formats of compensation?
Are schemes means-tested or linked to legal aid conditions?
How can cross-border claims be processed more efficiently?

These questions reflect the structured inquiry as prepared by the RENATE Law Task Group

Research Objectives

The study aims to:

1. Map Existing Frameworks

Identify and document compensation mechanisms across countries (state, criminal, civil, private).

2. Evaluate Effectiveness

Assess accessibility, inclusiveness, timeliness, and victim understanding.

3. Highlight Good Practice

Identify successful models, including specialised mechanisms such as compensation for psychological harm (e.g. Germany).

4. Analyse Cross-Border Complexities

Examine barriers in transnational cases and propose solutions.

5. Recommend Practical Improvements

Develop actionable recommendations to increase access and delivery.

These objectives align with RENATE’s structured framework for research.

Key Areas of Analysis

1. Types and Funding of Compensation Schemes

The research will compare how compensation is funded and delivered, including:

State compensation schemes
Court-ordered criminal compensation
Civil claims and labour court awards
Private or insurance-based mechanisms
Confiscated assets and seized goods

A critical issue is that, even when assets are recovered, funds often do not reach victims, instead returning to central government systems.

2. Accessibility and Barriers

Despite existing schemes, access is often limited by:

Low award rates
Complex procedures
Lack of information
Poor legal representation
Immigration status barriers
Re-traumatising legal processes
Victim blaming and criminalisation

Many victims are excluded entirely or discouraged from applying.

3. Legal and Structural Constraints

The research will explore:

Whether compensation depends on successful criminal prosecution
The use of alternative legal routes (civil, labour law)
The impact of cases where trafficking is not formally recognised in court

As noted in the RENATE material, when trafficking is not named, victims are not recognised—and without recognition, compensation is denied.

4. Cross-Border Challenges

Human trafficking is inherently transnational, yet compensation systems are largely national. Key issues include:

Jurisdictional complexity
Lack of cooperation between states
Difficulty enforcing cross-border claims
Inconsistent legal standards

Addressing these challenges is central to improving outcomes.

5. Inclusion of Survivor Voices

A vital component of the research will be survivor-informed analysis, ensuring that lived experiences shape both findings and recommendations.

Compensation is not only financial—it is about recognition, agency, and dignity.

6. Ethical and Policy Considerations

The research will also address sensitive and complex issues, including:

Compensation in contexts of sexual exploitation
RENATE’s abolitionist perspective on sex work
The role of international frameworks such as GRETA
Alignment with the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive (2026)

Identified Systemic Failures

The research builds on a clear diagnosis: the system is not failing due to lack of resources, but due to lack of prioritisation.

As highlighted by RENATE:

Victims are not named in financial investigations.
They are not linked to seized assets.
They are not prioritised in justice systems.

This results in a system where compensation exists in theory—but rarely in practice.

Towards Solutions: Improving Access to Compensation

The research will propose practical reforms, including:

State guarantees for compensation where offender assets are unavailable
Reinvestment of seized assets into victim compensation
Improved legal aid and representation
Removal of barriers, including immigration-related exclusions
Non-punishment of victims for crimes committed under coercion
Trauma-informed legal processes
Simplified cross-border claims mechanisms
Better data collection and sharing across countries

A Living, Modular Research Model

This research is designed to be:

Collaborative – involving universities, researchers, and students
Modular – conducted country by country
Ongoing – continuously updated and expanded
Advocacy-driven – feeding into international mechanisms such as the UPR and CRC cycles

Each country study will build on previous findings, creating a growing body of evidence to support systemic change.

Advocacy and Impact

Research alone is not enough. Its purpose is to drive change.

As the RENATE Law Task Group emphasises, research provides:

Clarity on system failures
Evidence to challenge injustice
Authority in policy spaces

The findings will be used to:

Advocate for harmonised EU standards
Influence national policy reform
Challenge governments through UN mechanisms
Ensure compensation becomes a central pillar of justice

Conclusion: Restoring Dignity Through Justice

Compensation is more than financial redress. It is recognition. It is restoration. It is dignity.

Without it, survivors are left with freedom—but no foundation to rebuild their lives.

This proposed RENATE research represents a critical step toward closing the gap between legal promise and lived reality. It seeks not only to understand systems—but to transform them.

Because justice that stops short… is not justice at all.

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