Presentation of observations on the interrelation of migration, pushbacks and human trafficking, with a specific focus on how pushbacks increase the risk of human trafficking, as displaced communities and persons with an unstable migration status, including undocumented third country nationals, asylum seekers and refugees, are often one of the most likely groups to being exploited and abuse by human traffickers. The link between pushbacks and trafficking is be examined through the inherent vulnerability of people seeking sanctuary in Europe, the consequences of the severe and excessive physical and mental strain that people are exposed to during pushbacks, and the apprehensions and fears people may feel when coming forward about their experiences with human trafficking that often stem from the violent nature of pushbacks and potential criminalisation.