The “National Referral Mechanism” (NRM) – a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of human trafficking, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – has been launched, today 15 December, by the National Body for Combating Trafficking in Persons (INLCTP) in Tunisia, with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe in the framework of the South Programme IV.
Based on a human rights approach to detect and identify human trafficking victims and to refer them to appropriate services that can ensure support adapted to their needs, the establishment of NRMs is one of the key recommendations of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
It provides a platform for multi-sectoral co-operation enabling all competent institutions to better protect the human rights of victims, taking into consideration the specific needs of women and children.
It is aimed at professionals – from public officials and members of civil society, to representatives of international organisations – who work directly or indirectly to help victims of human trafficking.
The NRM was launched today during a regional conference held on 15 - 16 December. Among those attending the launch: Ms. Raoudha Laabidi, President of the National Body for Combating Trafficking in Persons, Mr. Marcus Cornaro, Ambassador of the European Union to Tunisia, Ms. Pilar Morales, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tunisia, and representatives of ministries, independent and governmental bodies, civil society, international organisations, experts and legal professionals from countries of the Southern Mediterranean region and sub-Saharan Africa.
The NRM framework consists of specific tools, available in Arabic and in French, as follows:
- the Passport and the Cards of Rights of Victims of Trafficking in Persons,
- the List of Specific and General Indicators related to the detection of victims,
- the Interview Kit for Victims of Human Trafficking (with the List of sample questions),
- the Guide for Accompaniment and Reintegration of Victims (with the Brochure on Challenges of Assistance to Victims),
- the website www.mno.tn that presents the details of the process and includes an interactive mapping of all stakeholders and structures involved.
The implementation of this initiative had received technical and financial support of the “Project to Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia” (PAII-T), a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, implemented by the latter.
The launch event was organised with the support of the South Programme IV and benefitted from the voluntary contribution of Switzerland and Norway.
The South Programme IV is a joint programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.