Mock trial training on human trafficking in Serbia

20-22 June 2022, Stara planina, Serbia:  In collaboration with the Judicial Academy of the Republic of Serbia, UNODC delivered a mock trial training on trafficking in persons (TIP) for 24 judges, prosecutors, police officers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) representatives in Serbia as part of a series of trainings within UNODC sustainable and targeted multidisciplinary training program.

The emphasis was put on the following topics I) Challenges in legal qualification and identification of victims of trafficking; II) Inter-institutional cooperation and the role of NGOs in criminal proceedings of human trafficking; and III) Victim's position in criminal proceedings of human trafficking – challenges in identifying, protecting and supporting victims of human trafficking linked to  recommendations stemming from the UNODC review and analysis of selected TIP cases, and the conclusions of an expert discussion held on April 1, 2022.

This very practical approach allowed to share good practices and to discuss gaps in identifying instances of TIP, distinguishing them from other offences, and substantiating cases by collecting adequate evidence. Applying a victim-centered approach in each stage of criminal proceedings was particularly discussed.

This activity was implemented within the project UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe" (2021-2024) implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets