EU4FAST

In October, the Belgrade Center for Human Rights hosted a pivotal meeting of the key state and non-state actors who are working in the field of Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings of Serbia. It was organized, in cooperation with the regional Multi-donor Action EU4FAST, aimed at enhancing support for victims of migrant smuggling and human trafficking in Serbia. This initiative is part of a broader regional effort to combat these critical issues across the Western Balkans. The gathering brought together over 20 stakeholders from state institutions, international organizations, and civil society to discuss ongoing activities and foster collaboration. Mr. Nenad Simić, National Coordinator for the Fight Against Human Trafficking, highlighted the upcoming law aimed at preventing trafficking, expected to be finalized by June 2025. Ms. Vanja Florić from the Center for the Protection of Victims emphasized the importance of workshops held in asylum centers, which inform participants about the risks of trafficking and smuggling. The Rainbow Migration Network (RMN) continues to advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ refugees and migrants, highlighting the need for inclusive support and focuses on: - Free Legal Assistance: Providing essential legal resources. - Integration Support: Helping refugees and asylum seekers access their rights. - Collaboration with Civil Society: Strengthening partnerships for comprehensive protection.

The 12th INTERPOL Global Conference on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling for Expert Groups (#HTEG) is taking place from 28th to 30th of October 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia. The conference offers a unique platform for experts, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and engage in thoughtful discussions on the most pressing issues related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling. In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, thanked INTERPOL for organising this global conference in Belgrade, as well as (quote) “the project EU4FAST Western Balkans, which provided support and assistance to our conference”. Representatives of 61 countries participated in the event, with valuable lecturers coming even from the most remote continents. *The Action EU4FAST is co-funded by European Commission / German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) / Italian Ministry of Interior / Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken)

On October 24th, the Montenegrin Women's Lobby hosted a crucial conference titled "Prevention of Labor and Sexual Exploitation as a Form of Human Trafficking in Montenegro" at the Hotel Princess in Bar (ME). In the framework of the Multi-donor action EU4FAST, this event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and various local NGOs. Pressing issues surrounding human trafficking, focusing on labor and sexual exploitation were discussed. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in vital discussions about: - Enhancing multi-sector cooperation - Recognizing indicators of exploitation - Timely victim identification and support - Advocating for victims’ rights during legal proceedings A significant takeaway was the urgent need for transparent collaboration between institutions and NGOs to share critical information and respond effectively to the needs of victims. To strengthen our efforts against human trafficking, we must improve prevention systems, refine victim identification indicators, and enhance institutional coordination. Together, we can better protect the most vulnerable among us, especially women and children, who represent a large portion of trafficking victims. Let’s continue to work together towards a future where everyone is free from exploitation! 💪❤️ #HumanTrafficking #Montenegro #Prevention #Collaboration #GIZ #WomenEmpowerment

Today, when we mark the EU Anti-Trafficking day, the Annual Meeting of Local Anti-Trafficking Teams of Serbia was held in Vranje (RS). This event, part of the regional project EU Support to Strengthen the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans (EU4FAST), brought together dedicated representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, local teams, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders. Key figures in attendance included the Deputy mayor of Vranje Mr. Milan Ilić, Special advisor of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy of Serbia Mr. Srđan Barac, the National THB coordinator Mr. Nenad Simić, Head of the Vranje Police Department Mr. Saša Nedeljković, Director of the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Ms. Aleksandra Ljubojević, and the Advisor to the Protector of Citizens of Serbia Ms. Mirjana Nikolić. In alignment with the Program on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2024-2029), the participants engaged in meaningful discussions, shared best practices, and strengthened their collective commitment to combat human trafficking. Thanks to all participants for their invaluable contributions and insights. Together, we are making strides toward a future free from trafficking. Let’s continue to collaborate and build on this momentum! #EndTrafficking #EU4FAST #HumanRights #Collaboration #AntiTrafficking #Vranje2024 *EU4FAST is jointly funded by the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of Interior and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken).

On 27th September 2024, the regional project "EU Support to Strengthen the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings" (EU4FAST) supported a productive exchange between public prosecutors and police officers leading criminal investigations for countering THB and Migrant Smuggling, and the Head of the National Referral Mechanism for identification, assistance and referral of trafficked persons based in the Ministry for social policy, demographics and youth of North Macedonia This multidisciplinary forum fostered a productive dialogue about the available public capacities for identification and protection of presumed and identified THB victims and how this facilitates criminal investigations. Moreover, they agreed on best approaches and next steps related to their improved joint efforts in dismantling THB organized crime groups while simultaneously protecting THB victims involved as witnesses in the investigations. The forum also provided an opportunity to share information about the support that EU4FAST can provide to the national authorities in their fight against THB and Migrant Smuggling. The Multi-donor Action EU4FAST is jointly funded by the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of Interior and the Dutch Ministry of Foreing affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken). It aims at strengthening the ability of Western Balkan law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH CIVIPOL Center for International Legal Cooperation

On October 17th, 2024, at the presence of the Deputy Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia, the police exercise in Ohrid concluded, with a detailed debriefing in which high representatives of the LEAs of the participant countries provided their comment and expectation for the future. This final phase of the event also included a practical and spectacular demonstration of an operation conducted by the Special Unit of the Police of North Macedonia to carry out a simulated arrest of the traffickers and release of innocent victims. Antonio Montanaro, Colonel of the Italian National Police and Italian Project Manager of EU4FAST, who co-chaired this last day of the exercise, emphasized the importance of this international cooperation: "This challenge demands the utmost cooperation and an increasingly strong unity between the European Union and the Balkan countries, with the goal of seeing them soon become full members of the European Union”.

🌍 EU4FAST Week of Activities for EU Anti-Trafficking Day 2024 On October 18, 2024, we come together to raise awareness and take action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. This year, the multi-donor action EU4FAST, co-funded by European Commission, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of Interior & the Dutch Ministry of Foreing Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, and implemented by a consortium led by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, organized a week of impactful activities across the Western Balkan region, dedicated to combatting these crimes. We remain committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting a safer society. Together, we can make a difference! Let’s unite to end trafficking!   Activities include: – Ohrid, MK (Oct 15-17): 🔄 Real-time Information Exchange Exercise in collaboration with IOM, simulating a coordinated response to Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) and Migrant Smuggling. – Sarajevo, BA (Oct 16-17): 🪪 EMPACT Task Force Meeting (OA 8.1) focusing on migrant smuggling, with an emphasis on Afghan networks and document fraud. – Imotski, HR (Oct 17-18):👮 👮 Joint Patrols Training between Bosnia and Herzegovina Border Police and the Croatian Ministry of Interior. This is the 8th training in a series aimed at enhancing collaborative police capabilities, the first joint training since 2013. – Sarajevo, BA (Oct 18):🚔Workshop on Strengthening the Role of Mobile Identification Teams in the Prevention and Fight Against Human Trafficking and their Enhanced Operations in the Local Community – Vranje, RS (Oct 18):📅 Annual Meeting of Local Anti-Trafficking Teams under the Combatting THB program in Serbia (2024-2029) and the accompanying Action Plan (2024-2026). – Sarajevo, BA (Oct 10): 💻 Education Session on Cyber Trafficking: “Don't Be the Weakest Link!” This initiative aims to raise awareness about online dangers and protect children from potential predators. ❗Over 6.000 migrants were supported between January and October 2024 with social services and psychosocial support in Bosnia and Herzegovina (in cooperation with World Vision). Over 700 people were provided with free legal aid and integration services in Serbia (Belgrade Centre for Human Rights / Beogradski centar za ljudska prava). The project supports the Rainbow Migration network, consisted of 16 CSO’s providing help to LGBTI refugees, asylum seekers and people on the move in Serbia, and assists the fight against human trafficking in the tourism sector of Montenegro through the activities of the Montenegrin Women’s Lobby. Join us in our efforts—share this message to raise awareness! #AntiTraffickingDay2024 #EU4FAST #EndHumanTrafficking #StrongerTogether #HumanTraffickingAwareness CIVIPOL , Center for International Legal Cooperation

Wonderful opportunity to map opportunities and a framework for cooperation at the local level. Grateful for the chance to join forces! 🤝 👏

From October 15th to 17th, Ohrid (MK) is hosting a pivotal real-time information exchange exercise focused on trafficking in human beings (THB) and smuggling of migrants along the Eastern Mediterranean migration route. This significant event is jointly organized by the regional project “EU Support to Strengthen the Fight Against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans” (EU4FAST), the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM - UN Migration). The exercise brings together experts, prosecutors, and police officers from the Western Balkans, including participants from Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana, as well as representatives from Bulgaria, Greece, Moldova, Slovenia, and Türkiye. It provides an ideal opportunity for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and prosecutors to simulate a concerted approach in combating THB and MS, particularly through the real-time exchange of information on cross-border cases. The aim is to identify best practices, uncover potential gaps, and develop recommendations to address them. The EU4FAST project plays a key role in this exercise. In addition to the groundwork laid during previous organizational phases, it offers mentoring support to participants and facilitates the operational simulation through its experts. EU4FAST experts will also identify potential gaps and opportunities for future improvement, focusing on effectively addressing information flow challenges through international and regional channels of police and judicial cooperation. The effectiveness of structures and organization for information exchanges within Western Balkans law enforcement agencies, as well as between regional agencies, is crucial for evaluating the current landscape and future opportunities in combating organized criminal groups involved in THB and MS. This includes identifying strengths and weaknesses in information exchange activities and continuing to build stronger communication, coordination, and cooperation between police and public prosecution offices at national, regional, and international levels. The event will conclude with a practical demonstration conducted by the Special Unit of the Police of North Macedonia, showcasing a simulated arrest of criminal suspects.

As a result of complex transnational investigations the Department for the Fight against Organized Crime and Border Police of the Montenegrin police, coordinated by the Montenegrin Special State Prosecutor's Office, has executed 12 pre-trial detention orders against individuals belonging to an organized criminal group accused of document forgery and aiding illegal immigration. The action was supported by the regional project “EU Support to Strengthen the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans” (EU4FAST). During the #EMPACT Action Day, 12 individuals were arrested for smuggling 352 migrants from Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and other Asian countries through the so-called Balkan route to Europe. The Italian component of the EU4FAST project has supported the Montenegrin police in participating in the intelligence phase of EMPACT Joint Action Day (JAD) Danube 9, under the priority of migrant smuggling. This collaboration led to the establishment of a Command Coordination Center in Montenegro for the first time, involving experts from EU4FAST, Europol (European Migrant Smuggling Centre, EMSC), and Frontex. This center facilitated real-time cross-checking of information gathered during the action and the searches. Additionally, as a result of these activities, more than 100 Montenegrin residence permits were discovered, along with €25,000 and numerous mobile phones and PCs seized.