Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

A new Handbook for lawyers on human trafficking has been published and is now available to both professionals and the wider public, marking an important step in strengthening the legal profession’s capacity to combat one of the most serious human rights violations of modern times.

Organised in six modules, the publication emphasizes that human trafficking is not merely a criminal issue, but a complex phenomenon that deeply affects victims’ dignity, freedom, and fundamental rights. It calls for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sensitive response from the justice system.

The handbook brings together international and European standards, relevant national legislation, and extensive case law, offering clear and practical guidance for lawyers handling trafficking cases.

A key focus is its victim-centered approach, highlighting the importance of understanding trauma, recognizing vulnerability, and avoiding secondary victimisation—ensuring that justice is not only formal, but meaningful.

Lawyers play a crucial role in these proceedings, often serving as the first line of legal support for victims. The handbook underlines the need for continuous professional development in areas such as victim identification, international protection mechanisms, and multidisciplinary cooperation.

This publication forms part of broader efforts to improve access to justice for victims of human trafficking, particularly by enhancing the availability and quality of free legal aid services. The Handbook is developed in close cooperation with the Judicial training Centre and Bar Association of Montenegro with support of the Action “Strengthening accountability of the judicial system and enhancing protection of victims’ rights in Montenegro” part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, and  German international organisation GIZ and EU4FAST Project.