The number of human trafficking victims receiving government support has increased significantly over the past three and a half years.

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the number of confirmed cases of human trafficking—involving sexual trafficking, sexual exploitation, and labor exploitation—rose from 3 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, and reached 42 last year.

In the first half of this year alone, 30 additional individuals were confirmed as victims of human trafficking.

If this trend continues, the number of confirmed human trafficking cases is expected to exceed 60 this year.

Starting this year, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has strengthened protection for human trafficking victims by allowing those referred by the National Police Agency to be confirmed as victims without a separate review process. The ministry also enabled victims to receive rescue support funds or emergency housing support even before the issuance of an official victim confirmation certificate.

Furthermore, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, the ministry has established residency support procedures for foreign victims of human trafficking.

(Photo: Yonhap News)