The fight against human trafficking in the European Union and Russia

Trafficking in human beings is a serious form of crime that consists in a grave violation of fundamental human rights and with an extremely pernicious and highly lucrative form of organised crime, above all with transnational characteristics. It affects countries and regions worldwide. Multiple aspects and factors of insecurity within countries of origin, transit and destination make trafficking in persons a human security issue. Vulnerability, the use of violence – physical and psychological – and exploitation are characteristics of this phenomenon. In a human security framework, both national and international dimensions have to be considered. The States are fully expected to maintain the security not only of their national borders, but also of the individuals living within those borders. They are held responsible for protecting the people living in their territory from external conflict and harm and they are also expected to ensure that those citizens enjoy a wide range of rights and are able to live their lives with a sense of dignity and an absence of fear. The article focuses on the fight on THB in the EU-Russia relations and its implementation in Russia.