Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, almost 180 Belgrade University Law students were interested in participating in an online HELP (Human rights education for legal professionals) course on combating trafficking in human beings. The first group of 40 students has been selected to start on 21 April 2020.
Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime. It is also a violation of human rights and an offence to the dignity and integrity of the human being which affects thousands of victims every year. The online course is built upon the standards developed under the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and adapted to the Serbian legal and strategic framework.
It explores different topics from a human rights perspective (legal concept, identification and assistance to victims of human trafficking, the non-punishment principle, investigation, prosecution and victim’s rights, compensation etc.) by using presentations, interactive screens, knowledge tests and reflective exercises. Future lawyers will take the course as part of their examinations and will receive a certificate upon successful participation.
The online HELP course is organised within the joint EU/Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey II - "Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings in Serbia", implemented by the Council of Europe, with support of the Council of Europe HELP (Human rights education for legal professionals) Unit.