As part of the efforts to build the capacities of various anti-trafficking stakeholders, EU and Council of Europe joint action on “Strengthening anti - trafficking action in North Macedonia” delivered a simulation training with a mock trial, based on a human trafficking case scenario. The training entitled “Towards a Victim-Centred Approach in Investigations, Prosecution and Adjudication of Human Trafficking Cases” was organised in co-operation with EU4FAST project and the Centre for Police Training of the Ministry of Interior. This capacity-building activity was based on a pre-planned scenario for investigation, prosecution and adjudication of a trafficking case for the purpose of sexual and labour exploitation. Young actors played the roles of trafficking victims and traffickers, making the real-life scenario more realistic.

This simulation training programme guides local practitioners towards a victim-oriented approach and its integration in their daily work. Moreover, it fosters co-operation between the state anti-trafficking agencies and the civil sector for effective referral of the victims to assistance providers. During the training in September, the Foundation Rene Cassin-International Institute of Human Rights, provided mentoring on the international human rights standards to the legal practitioners for the mock trial, and thus, added value to this innovative training.