Human trafficking is a serious crime and one of the most severe human rights violations. Over the last 10 years, the conflict in Syria has caused massive loss of life and human suffering, as well as a complex displacement crisis. Thereby, human trafficking became a major problem in the EU and neighboring countries during the last decade (Forin & ICMPD, 2018; FRONTEX, 2019). The aim of this research was to compare and analyze protection policies for individuals and potential risk groups who have been victims of child trafficking and human trafficking through labor exploitation and sexual exploitation along the Mediterranean migration route in Italy and Turkey. The main research question is: “In light of human rights and sustainable development goals, how do Italy and Turkey protect children and adults from trafficking on the Mediterranean migration routes?” The research consists of a semi-structured interview and qualitative in-depth interviews. The sample of the research consisted of 15 experts from Italy and 31 experts from Turkey, with a total number of 46. In the research, the grounded theory basis was used, and the data were analyzed with the MAXQDA 2020 Pro Analytics program. As a result, 2942 codes, 17 sub-themes and 4 main themes emerged. The results are compared in the context of the two countries, according to the measures stipulated by the Council of Europe Convention, and solution proposals will be discussed.
Ezgi Yaman Kennedy is currently working with the International Children’s Center. She has been working for 10 years in the field as an academician and Individual Consultant with the Council of Europe, UNFPA, and UNICEF. She holds a PhD in Social Policy, Labour Economics and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.