Action Plan Against Human Trafficking is in Effect
31.07.2025
Within the scope of 30 July, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, President of the Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated, "Human trafficking, which is described as the modern slavery of our age, "Human trafficking, which is described as the modern slavery of our age, is a serious violation of human rights that does not discriminate based on gender or nationality".
In his statement to Anadolu Agency on the occasion of 30 July, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, President of the Migration Management Hüseyin Kök said that Türkiye implements international standards with its victim-centered approach to human trafficking and smuggling crimes.
President Hüseyin Kök, describing Türkiye's activities against human trafficking, emphasized the importance of every denunciation as it can save lives and called on citizens to denounce any suspicious situations via the "YİMER 157" denunciation line or the 112 Emergency Call Center.
"Our Action Plan is a Strategic Step Against Human Trafficking"
Stating that Türkiye has strengthened its combat against human trafficking within the framework of international law since the 2000s, President of the Migration Management Hüseyin Kök reminded that after the signing of the Palermo Protocol and its Annex, the necessary amendments were made to the Turkish Penal Code in 2002 and mechanisms for combating human trafficking were established through national action plans.
President Kök reminded that the Council of Europe Convention introduced important standards regarding victims' rights and access to justice, and stated that with the establishment of the Migration Management in 2013 the combat became institutionalized, and with the Implementation Regulation that came into effect in 2016, the victim identification, protection, support and return processes have been integrated.
President Hüseyin Kök emphasized the importance of the 2025-2030 National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking, which was adopted at the 15th Migration Board, and stated, "Our action plan was adopted at the 15th Migration Council held on 29 January 2025, and the implementation process has begun. Our 2025-2030 National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking is a decisive strategic step taken against human trafficking. The plan aims to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation in the combat against human trafficking, improve the quality of victim-centered services, and develop new mechanisms for crime prevention".
Stating that the coordination of the action plan is carried out by the Presidency of the Migration Management, President Hüseyin Kök emphasized that the National Action Plan also supports institutional cooperation and capacity development in raising awareness and social consciousness.
"Psycho-Social Support and Legal Aid Are Provided"
President of the Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated the following regarding the identification and rescue of victims of human trafficking:
"Our national guidance mechanism begins with denunciation and notification. Victim identification is a multi-stakeholder process. From the moment of first contact, a sensitive assessment is made regarding the person believed to be the victim. Our Presidency's provincial organizations initiate the process with guidance from law enforcement forces, public institutions or non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the process is initiated upon receiving a denunciation to the information and denunciation line of our Presidency of the Migration Management, YİMER 157, or to the 112 Emergency Call Center. In this case, the victims are rescued by contacting law enforcement units as soon as possible. Victim support services provided to persons identified as victims are carried out based on the victim's request, either through benefiting from the victim support program or additionally as safe return for foreigners. Within the scope of the support program, safe accommodation, financial assistance, access to health and education services, psychosocial support and legal aid are provided."
President Hüseyin Kök reminded that Law No. 6458 regulated a separate type of residence permit for victims of human trafficking, and stated that the capacity of shelters has been increased to provide safe accommodation services to victims who request it within the victim support program.
“They can denounce and notify by going to or our Provincial Directorates of Migration Management in 81 provinces or by calling YİMER 157”
Kök stated that the Presidency is combating human trafficking to protect human dignity, and also pointed out the importance of social awareness to ensure that no victim remains unreached. Kök stated that the public should inform the relevant public units in suspicious situations, and said, "Those who detect a suspicious situation related to human trafficking can call the information and denunciation line (YİMER 157) of our Presidency of the Migration Management which provides services in 5 languages, or the 112 Emergency Call Center. They can also denounce and notify by going to or our Provincial Directorates of Migration Management in 81 provinces”. Stating that the protection of victims and the prevention of crime are possible through cooperation between the public, civil society and individuals, Kök called on everyone to join the combat against this grave crime against humanity and to be the voice of the victims.
© 2025 Presidency of Migration Management