Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Victims of trafficking require timely, reliable, and victim-centred legal support. A recent discussion organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Ministry of the Interior examined how to further strengthen access to these services. The round-table brought together representatives of national institutions, the Niš Bar Association, local self-government legal aid services, and civil society organisations.

In its third evaluation report on Serbia (June 2023), the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) welcomed the inclusion of victims of trafficking as a particularly vulnerable category entitled to free legal aid under domestic law, while also highlighting several challenges in practice. These include inter alia barriers in referral to authorised providers, and the need for strengthened training and specialisation of lawyers working with trafficking victims.

Building on these recommendations, the round-table focused on improving the practical application of the Law on free legal aid and ensuring that victims can effectively access available services. Participants discussed referral procedures, common obstacles, and opportunities to strengthen institutional co-ordination and the quality of legal assistance.

The Niš Bar Association welcomed the proposal to organise specialised training for lawyers, noting that enhanced knowledge and skills are essential for providing effective legal assistance to victims of trafficking.

This initiative is part of the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia” within the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey".