A two-day seminar dedicated to strengthening the institutional and professional response to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation was held on 17 and 18 November in Belgrade. The event brought together representatives of the judiciary (courts and prosecutor’s offices), the Ministry of the Interior, the Labour Inspectorate, and the Centre for Human Trafficking Victim’s Protection. Throughout the seminar, participants examined international and national standards, the criminal-law framework applicable to cases of labour exploitation, as well as practical challenges in distinguishing elements of criminal offences from labour-law misdemeanours. Special attention was devoted to indicators of forced labour and to the role of institutions in the identification, protection, and referral of victims of human trafficking. The importance of effective multisectoral cooperation in detecting and protecting victims was particularly emphasised.

Concrete cases of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation were presented and analysed in detail, serving as a basis for discussion, exchange of experience, and joint learning. Through interactive work, participants explored challenges in identifying victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and strengthening the institutional response. Group work enabled a deeper understanding of practical obstacles and the identification of mechanisms for more effective action.

The seminar was organised in co-operation with the Judicial Academy, the EU4FAST regional multidonor programme, and the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia”, implemented under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.