Why does Turkey need a helpline for trafficked individuals?
Turkey is a leading destination for trafficked individuals. In 2004, 266 trafficked individuals were identified in Turkey by law enforcement authorities. This number is considered a small percentage of the overall number of trafficked persons to Turkey. The establishment of a helpline is considered an important step towards the rescue and protection of these trafficking victims. Experts in the trafficking field have also long recognized that the establishment of a trafficking helpline is an essential part of a national and regional strategy to combat trafficking in human beings.