Strengthening the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling in the Western Balkans

Within the framework of the Regional Initiative launched by IOM and UNHCR, this project will serve to strengthen the fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM) in the Western Balkans, as well as transit irregular migration through the region.

The project shall organise a range of capacity building technical workshops, targeting border and law enforcement agencies, as well as prosecutors and judges, following a victim-centred approach. These activities shall facilitate officials undertaking increased cross-border activities/operations to identify and investigate cases of trafficking and smuggling, as well as prosecutors and judges leading increased trans-frontier investigations to then conduct effective court proceedings. The project shall also develop strategies to enhance the regional role of Police Cooperation Centres (PCCs); principally building upon the trilateral Centre in Trebinje, as well as that to be developed in Montenegro.

The project will follow gender-sensitive and participatory approaches, involving stakeholders at different levels in the planning and implementation of the capacity building activities as well as on the leverage and improvement of outcomes, with gender mainstreamed throughout the project.