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Repository of Practices

Protection of refugee and migrant children and women from human trafficking

Primary GCM Objectives

GCM Guiding Principles*

*All practices are to uphold the ten guiding principles of the GCM. This practice particularly exemplifies these listed principles.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dates

2023 - 2025

Geographic scope

Country:

Regions:

Sub Regions:

Summary

UNICEF Serbia in partnership with CSO Info Park implements program for the protection of refugee and migrant children and women with the main goal to prevent abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the provision of adequate support services for those who have suffered violence. Program includes: GBV prevention and response services through outreach work of mobile teams and safe space for women and children, SOS phone line, child protection and PSS services, and information dissemination.

Considering that the refugee and migrant population is at high risk of trafficking in human beings (THB) the program includes THB prevention through outreach and information dissemination. The biggest challenge in preventing human trafficking among people on the move is that legal pathways to their desired destinations are increasingly limited. As a result, people are more likely to choose risky travel methods and stay in transit countries for only a short time, eager to reach their destinations quickly. This rapid and often illegal transit means that migrants and refugees have limited time and resources to make informed decisions, often relying on insufficient or unreliable information. During outreach near the borders, Info Park mobile team shares information about the dangers and risks of using illegal means of travel, crossing borders, connecting with unreliable intermediaries or smugglers, and joining suspicious groups that allegedly offer 'assistance' in travel.

Info Park has been implementing a comprehensive program focused on gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection for the refugee and migrant population in Serbia. The program's objective is to provide critical information and bolster the resilience of individuals navigating the challenges associated with displacement, including those residing in centers or within their communities. Key issues addressed include gender-based violence, child protection risks, deteriorating psychosocial conditions, and the lack of specialized services related to safety, psychosocial support, and informal education.

Additionally, at the safety hub in the city center of Belgrade, migrants and refugees can receive information, referral to specialized services including governmental services, understand the country's laws, learn about the risks of trafficking, and participate in workshops related to this topic. Info Park’s Hub, strategically located in central Belgrade, serves as a vital resource for people on the move. It offers dedicated safe spaces for women, girls, unaccompanied boys, and youth, and provides outreach services and tailored information dissemination. Although the Hub does not offer accommodation, it plays a unique role as the only information center of its kind in Serbia. Operational since the beginning of the refugee and migrant crisis in 2015, Info Park remains a crucial point of support and information in the capital.

Cross-sectoral cooperation of the program involves collaboration among government institutions, such as the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, and other relevant stakeholders. A notable challenge has been ensuring sustainability, particularly in recent times as donor funding has diminished. However, in 2023, the Crisis Response and Policy Center, another civil society organization, joined efforts and co-shared space with Info Park to maintain continuity.

Additionally, as this initiative falls within the NGO sector, it benefits from enhanced flexibility, allowing for adaptable responses to the needs of people on the move. This flexibility is crucial for effectively managing outreach and addressing the constantly shifting locations of transit routes and informal settlements.
 

Organizations

Main Implementing Organization(s)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Detailed Information

UNICEF Serbia

Partner/Donor Organizations

Info Park

Benefit and Impact

The program implemented by UNICEF Serbia in partnership with CSO Info Park aims to protect refugee and migrant children and women from abuse and violence, ensuring their rights and wellbeing are upheld. A key benefit of the program is the provision of essential support services and information to those at high risk of human trafficking, significantly reducing their vulnerability. By educating migrants and refugees about the risks of illegal travel, connecting them with reliable resources, and providing legal information and workshops, the program empowers individuals to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their overall safety and well-being.

For information dissemination during outreach, at their Hub, and via the SOS line, Info Park utilizes leaflets available in English, Urdu, French, and Farsi, which have been developed by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with relevant government and non-governmental partners. In instances where additional languages such as Pashto or Arabic are required, Info Park provides interpreter services.

The impact of this program is measured in terms of the improved awareness among migrants and refugees about the risks associated with illegal travel and human trafficking. This increased awareness contributes to a prevention of human trafficking. The program’s efforts in the field, especially near borders and within safety hub like the one in Belgrade, ensure that migrants and refugees receive timely and accurate information, which is critical in their decision-making processes.

Moreover, the provision of referrals and legal guidance helps migrants and refugees navigate their journeys more safely, mitigating the risks of exploitation and abuse. Workshops and information sessions equip them with knowledge about their rights and the legal landscape of the countries they transit through, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy.

Needs assessments are conducted through individual consultations with individuals who are transiting/briefly staying at the Hub, as well as through focus group discussions with unaccompanied adolescent boys (UASB) during activities dedicated to UASB called Boys' Days, and with women during specialized Ladies' Days. Monitoring and evaluation efforts are primarily focused on individuals who remain in Serbia for an extended period, including UASB participating in Boys' Days and women participating in Ladies' Days.

Overall, the program promotes human rights of migrants and refugees and contributes to their increased safety and well being.

Key Lessons

The implementation of the program by UNICEF Serbia and CSO Info Park provides several valuable lessons.

• Timely and accurate information dissemination is crucial for the safety and well-being of people on the move. Ensuring that migrants and refugees are well-informed about the risks of illegal travel and human trafficking can significantly reduce their vulnerability to exploitation. Feedback from the affected population is incorporated into the program to ensure their needs and experiences shape the services provided, enhancing the effectiveness of support and interventions.
• Accessibility of support services is crucial in effective mitigation of trafficking and other prevention risks. Establishing safety hub and providing legal guidance in accessible locations like the city center of Belgrade and through the mobile units ensures that migrants and refugees can easily access the information and assistance they need. This accessibility is critical in emergency situations where quick decision-making is required.
• Furthermore, good coordination with other relevant actors, including governmental bodies (Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Protection, Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, Centers for social work, and other service providers, enhances the overall impact of the program. This coordination ensures a unified approach and maximizes the resources and expertise available to support migrants and refugees effectively.

These lessons underscore the importance of a comprehensive, informed, and collaborative approach to protecting and supporting the population on the move ultimately contributing to their safety, rights, and well-being.

Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)

• Enhance partnerships with local and international organizations including government to improve resource sharing and coordination: Strengthening these collaborations will ensure comprehensive support for migrants and refugees, including better access to legal advice, healthcare, and safe housing. Joint initiatives can also increase outreach effectiveness, ensuring that migrants and refugees receive timely and accurate information critical for their safety and well-being.

• Invest in scalable and adaptable information dissemination methods: Developing digital platforms and mobile applications can provide migrants and refugees with real-time updates and resources regardless of their location. These tools should offer multilingual support and user-friendly interfaces to maximize accessibility and usability. Additionally, training field workers to use these technologies will help maintain consistent and reliable communication, ensuring that migrants and refugees are always informed about safe travel practices and available support services.
These recommendations aim to bolster the program's impact, ensuring that migrants and refugees are better protected and supported throughout their journey.

Innovation

The program offers an innovative approach to protecting and supporting people on the move, particularly children and women, by combining on-the-ground interventions with strategic information dissemination. One key innovation lies in the establishment of safety hub in accessible locations like the city center of Belgrade, where migrants and refugees can easily access vital information, legal guidance, and support services.

Another innovative aspect is the program’s focus on preventing human trafficking through proactive education and awareness campaigns conducted near borders and transit points. By informing migrants and refugees about the risks of illegal travel and the dangers of engaging with unreliable intermediaries, the program effectively reduces their vulnerability to exploitation. This proactive approach addresses the root causes of trafficking and empowers migrants and refugees to make safer choices.

Info Park’s comprehensive program is rooted in a human rights approach, emphasizing the dignity, equality, and rights of every individual. The program incorporates a gender-sensitive approach, recognizing and responding to the distinct needs and vulnerabilities of different genders. This includes providing safe spaces specifically for women, girls, and unaccompanied boys, as well as targeted outreach and support services. By creating environments that cater to the safety and well-being of individuals based on their gender, Info Park ensures that its interventions are both inclusive and responsive to gender-specific challenges. Children’s rights are also a central focus of the program. Info Park places significant emphasis on protecting children from abuse and exploitation, ensuring their safety, and addressing their psychosocial needs. Overall, Info Park’s approach is characterized by a commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of refugees and migrants, with particular attention to gender and age-specific needs. This ensures that their services not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to the longer-term resilience and empowerment of individuals and families in displacement.

These innovative practices make the program highly effective and worth replicating in other regions facing similar challenges, as they provide a holistic and adaptable solution to protecting and supporting migrant and refugee populations.

Additional Images

Date submitted:

24 June 2024

Disclaimer: The content of this practice reflects the views of the implementers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations, the United Nations Network on Migration, and its members.

 

 

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).