To improve the position of human trafficking and smuggling victims, there needs to be a systematic collaboration between the government and NGOs, where the civil society organizations that provide help and support to victims would also be recognized by the state institutions as their partners who would have the necessary positions and resources. Because of the fact that human trafficking and smuggling is a transnational problem, international cooperation is of the utmost importance, but it can only be achieved by insisting on the rule of law and respecting human rights at the border. This is the conclusion of the discussion "When people become merchandise: the position of human trafficking victims,” held on 22 February, marking the European day for victims of crime organized by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy along with partners within the Western Balkans Organized Crime Radar network.