Falling Between the Cracks: Access to justice for exploited workers
On 30 September 2026, HEUNI brought together international experts at the 15th UN Crime Congress to examine why victims of labour exploitation and trafficking for forced labour struggle to access justice, and how protection and remedies can work better in practice.
- Criminal justice
- Event
- Exploitation of adolescents and children
- Victims of crime
Organised by HEUNI with the support of Finland, the hybrid event “Falling Between the Cracks: Victims of Labor Exploitation and Trafficking for Forced Labor” explored the gap between workers’ rights on paper and the remedies available in practice. A recurring concern was that workers whose experiences do not meet the legal threshold for human trafficking may still face serious exploitation, yet struggle to access protection or compensation.
Lengthy proceedings, costly legal action and uncertainty over residence status can create further barriers.