The multi-sector working group for the revision of the existing indicators for preliminary identification of potential child victims of trafficking in human beings by education professionals held its third and last meeting on 2 July 2021 in Belgrade. The working group was established by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development with the support of the action “Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings in Serbia“.
The members, representatives of the Ministries of the Education, Interior, Health, Social affairs, as well as representatives of school director and pedagogists boards, civils society organisations Atina and Astra, held vivid discussions on the revised indicators. Education professionals were consulted and provided input in June 2021.
The purpose of the revision of the indicators is to equip education professionals with a tool for risk assessment and early detection of children who are potential victims of trafficking in human beings. Education professionals will be enabled to prevent instances of trafficking among children and to recognize and refer potential child victims to competent authorities. The new indicators consider the child’s behaviour, his or her physical appearance, health, communication, relationships, and environment.
After the endorsement of the indicators by the Ministry of Education, education professionals will receive training and increase their capacity to use this tool. Providing reliable and specific indicators as well as defining clear and operational procedures in cases of suspicion will contribute to improving the prevention and fight against child trafficking in Serbia by education professionals.
The members of the working group had the opportunity to watch videos containing child-friendly anti-trafficking massages, produced by NGOs “World of Words” and Atina /Centre for Child Rights through grants for raising awareness on child trafficking in Serbia.
The action „Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings in Serbia“ is part of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”.
