Increased Cooperation Needed to Address Human Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Serbia

 

28 - 30 November 2023, Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia: In 2023, 16 victims of labour exploitation have been officially identified in Serbia, representing a 33% increase. 18.8% have been compelled to self-rescue, highlighting the challenges and limitations in addressing this issue.

To tackle this matter, UNODC’s Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section is promoting and facilitating a multi-sector approach to counter human trafficking in Serbia.

At a recent workshop in Vrnjacka Banja, organised in partnership with the Judicial Academy of the Republic of Serbia, representatives from all authorities involved in the prevention, detection, investigation, and adjudication of trafficking cases came together to learn from leading criminal and legal experts.

During the three-day event, 21 participants from two appellate areas in Serbia, specifically Kragujevac and Nis, were instructed on topics including the indicators of trafficking for forced labour, employment rights, providing evidence in cases, financial investigations, and victim support.

The workshop was conducted under the project: UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe, funded by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Department of State of the United States of America.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.