Council of Europe anti-trafficking project in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues with activities to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of professionals to detect and combat trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation. On 15 March 2024, for the second time, the project launched online training module on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation, developed by the Council of Europe’s HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal professionals) Programme. The content of the module has been adjusted to the BiH legal framework and it contains European good practices and various exercises to learn how to combat trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation.
Thirty-five professionals, among which judges, prosecutors, free legal aid providers, social workers, labour inspectors, law enforcement professionals and NGO representatives, led by tutors, Ms Adisa Zahiragić, judge at the Cantonal Court Sarajevo and Ms Rebeka Kotlo, professor at the Faculty of Law at University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar, studied topic through 7 modules along with introductory and final module and weekly consultations. Over 55 documents, publications, guidelines, textbooks, analysis, strategies, leaflets, news, legislation and jurisprudence concerning the application of the relevant European/international standards were available, and will be available after the course to participants.
Out of 35 enrolled professionals, 22 successfully completed all modules and received certificates. The Council of Europe anti-trafficking project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the last 5 years, has already supported the implementation of 3 general HELP courses on trafficking in human beings (53 certified professionals and 1 HELP course on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation (11 certified professionals).
“I expanded my knowledge. The course covered new areas that I did not previously know, thus expanding my overall knowledge on the subject.”; “The lecturers were extremely professional and motivated. Their knowledge and enthusiasm significantly contributed my understanding of the material. They were available for questions and provided helpful feedback.”; “The course was a significant addition to my professional development.”, were some of the comments.
The Council of Europe project “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is implemented in the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina (2022–2025), funded by voluntary contributions.
