National guidelines for identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking in Denmark

Authorities and NGOs play a key role in the efforts to combat human trafficking. Therefore, national guidelines are essential to ensure clear procedures for identifying, supporting and providing assistance to trafficked persons.

International conventions require countries to establish clear guidelines that help professionals and authorities handle all potential cases of human trafficking. Internationally, these procedures are often referred to as a National Referral Mechanism. In Denmark, we have chosen to use the term national guidelines.

The Danish guidelines consist of the six steps outlined below. The steps describe the process and procedures to be followed by key actors when there is a suspicion of human trafficking.

Senest opdateret 15-09-2022
Background for the national guidelines

The purpose of having national guidelines is to ensure that individuals subjected to human trafficking receive the necessary support as quickly as possible, and that traffickers are brought to justice. This framework is known internationally as a National Referral Mechanism, while Denmark uses the term national guidelines. 

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Action plans to combat human trafficking in Denmark

Current and previous action plans set the framework and direction for national efforts in Denmark. The seventh action plan is 'Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking 2026–2029'.

Find the latest Action Plan for 2026-2029 here