To support lawyers in effective protection of victims of trafficking and prosecuting perpetrators, a new HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) course has been launched within the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia”, in co-operation with the Serbian Bar Association and the Bar Academy, supported by ‘HELP in the Western Balkans’ action.

As many as 29 lawyers now have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, develop skills on tackling trafficking in human beings, and explore the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, along with other international legal instruments and national good practices.

The launch of the course coincides with Serbia marking the 15th anniversary of the ratification and entry into force of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, but also the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) celebrating 15 years of its monitoring work. “These anniversaries should remind us that our efforts must continue towards the effective protection of all our citizens, including the most vulnerable,” said János Babity, the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade.

Jasmina Mikic, from the Serbian Bar Association, praised the Council of Europe support in providing continues trainings for lawyers aimed at better understanding of fundamental human rights standards, and its application in their daily work.

Nenad Simic, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Activities in the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings, National Anti-trafficking Coordinator, Serbian Ministry of Interior, reminded that the country’s Government adopted national Anti-trafficking Programme 2024-2029 with its Action Plan for 2024-2026, on 20 March 2024 and is now developing first comprehensive Law on combating human trafficking.

“Combating human trafficking will be effective only with partnership, multi-disciplinary approach and strong policy and legal anti-trafficking framework,” Simic stressed.HELP tutors (lawyer and CSO ASTRA) with extensive and long-lasting professional experience in anti-trafficking field have adapted the course to the Serbian legal and policy framework. The course will unite theory and practise, provide information, participative case studies and examples from practice.

The action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia” aims at strengthening prevention of trafficking in human beings, identification, and protection of victims of trafficking, prosecution and conviction of traffickers, and access to remedies for victims of trafficking. It is implemented within the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, running from 2023 - 2026.