PROJECT TITLE: Integrated Approach for Prevention of Labor Exploitation in Origin and Destination Countries
COUNTRIES: Bulgaria, Cyprus, FYROM, Greece, Hungary and Romania
OVERALL OBJECTIVE: To decrease the dimension of trafficking in human beings (THB) for labour exploitationpurposes in origin, transit and destination countries. In particular, the project aimed at:
- identifying the needs and gaps in the actions against THB for labour exploitation, in order to improve the system for victims’ identification, referral and assistance, as well as the prosecution and punishment of traffickers;
- increasing awareness on the population regarding the phenomenon of THB for labour exploitation purposes;
- improving the intervention capacity of the actors involved in the identification, referral and assistance of victims of trafficking for labour exploitation purposes;
- changing attitudes of public and decision makers and employers in the sectors with risk for trafficking and increasing awareness in the countries of origin on the risks of illegal working abroad.
ACTIVITIES:
Project activities included:
- A study on the characteristics of policies to combat trafficking in human beings for labor exploitation;
- Nine regional seminars in all participating countries with key stakeholders including labor inspectors, judges, prosecutors, police officers, social workers and NGO representatives;
- Two international conferences on the occasion of EU anti-trafficking day, to facilitate the exchange of experience between the labor inspectors, police officers and social workers in countries of origin, transit and destination;
- An awareness-raising campaign regarding the risks of illegal work and risks of trafficking and a network of national experts in identifying, referring and providing assistance to victims of labor exploitation.
FUNDING AGENCY: European Commission
LEADER: Inspectorate General of the Romanian Police – National Agency against Trafficking in Persons of Romania
PARTNERS: EPLO, the Ministry of Justice and Law Enforcement of Hungary, the Ministry of Interior of FYROM, the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking of Bulgaria, the Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism (KISA) of Cyprus
TIME FRAME: 2011–2013