Welcome to the CoMensha website

CoMensha the National Coordination Centre against Human Trafficking and we also identify the nature and extent of human trafficking. We are committed to the interests and rights of (potential) victims of human trafficking in the Netherlands in all it's guises, including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, criminal exploitation, forced begging and forced organ removal.
 

CoMensha:

  • provides insight into the nature and extent of human trafficking through registration;
  • coordinates initial care, assistance and shelter;
  • identifies obstacles, advises on them and puts the issues on the agenda;
  • provides information and education for professionals;

CoMensha is an independent, non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works closely with the National Police, the Royal Dutch Marechaussee, the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (ISZW), the National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence against Children, various ministries and municipalities, reception centres, care institutions, various other national and international NGOs and the legal profession, among others.

CoMensha always works from the perspective of the victims.

Human Trafficking / Exploitation
In the Netherlands, human trafficking is defined as: recruiting (for work), transporting or housing a person using force, coercion, deception, abuse of power or abusing a vulnerably positioned (such as with minors and refugees), with the aim of exploitation (taking away someone's income or not or not paying enough income).

The (intended) exploitation is the core of human trafficking. Exploitation can take place in the sex industry, for example when someone involuntarily works for another in prostitution, but also in other economic sectors. This involves such poor terms and conditions of employment that human rights are threatened. Under exploitation could also be considered human trafficking, the forcible recruitment and transportation of a person with the aim of removing organs from the body. Another form of exploitation is forcing/ inciting people to commit criminal acts involving financial gain (criminal exploitation).

What we do
One of CoMensha's key tasks is to register reports of (potential) victims of human trafficking. CoMensha records facts about the nature and extent of the number of victims and possible victims in the Netherlands.

CoMensha uses the information on victims to identify obstacles, tendencies and success factors in the implementation of human trafficking policies, to set the agenda and advise on policies.

CoMensha registers victims of human trafficking. We know how old they are, where they come from, which sector the exploitation took place in and which people or authorities eventually found and reported them. Did they need care? If so, where did they receive it?

Victims of human trafficking in the Netherlands are confronted with all kinds of complex procedures. For example, they must apply for a residence permit, benefits and health insurance and register with the municipality. The care coordinator in a region is the first point of contact for these victims. The care coordinators ensure that the correct procedures are initiated and that their progress is supervised. CoMensha collaborates closely with the regional care coordinators in the Netherlands.

Education and promoting awareness of human trafficking is an essential element in tackling this crime. CoMensha provides information, workshops and education for the employees of all kinds of organisations.

Helpdesk
The national CoMensha Helpdesk is there for anyone who is involved with or has questions about human trafficking. You can contact us for:

  • registration of (potential) victims;
  • coordination of the initial care, shelter and assistance of (potential) victims of human trafficking;
  • and advice.

We provide advice about victims' rights and obligations. We can also answer questions about shelter, specialist care, assistance and counselling. Where necessary, we refer individuals to the right authorities and link (possible)victims to the right organisations.

Our help desk can be reached by telephone on +31 33 448 11 86 from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also mail to info@comensha.nl

Outside office hours, you can always leave a voicemail or send an email to info@comensha.nl. We will respond to your query as soon as possible, often on the next working day.

In urgent cases regarding the shelter for victims of human trafficking in the evening, at night and on the weekend, the police will immediately contact the crisis relief service in accordance with the protocol. This guarantees emergency assistance to victims of human trafficking.

Do you need help? Is there immediate danger?
Call the emergency number in the Netherlands: 112

Are you in another country? Every country has its own National Hotline, click here.

Do you suspect that human trafficking is taking place but there is no immediate urgency?
Call the Dutch National Police on telephone number +31 900 88 44

Do you want to make an anonymous report in the Netherlands?
You can do this using 'Meld Misdaad Anoniem' (Report Crime Anonymously) on +31 800 70 00.
This can also be done online at: www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl

If it specifically concerns labour exploitation, you can also contact the Dutch labor inspectorate (NLA). The NLA can be reached on +31 800 51 51 or +31 70 333 44 44 from abroad.

You can also contact CoMensha for help and/or advice, and to report victims or possible victims of human trafficking.