A new online training course under the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia” has been launched to enhance the capacity of 36 Serbian lawyers in handling trafficking cases and safeguarding victims’ rights. Organized in partnership with the Serbian Bar Association and the Bar Academy, and supported by the HELP Programme in the Western Balkans, the course covers key topics such as victim identification, access to justice, non-punishment principles for victims, and available protection mechanisms. Additionally, it offers an overview of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and European Court of Human Rights case law.
Jasmina Mikić from the Serbian Bar Association opened the course, expressing gratitude for the continued support of the Council of Europe in providing legal training that strengthens understanding and practical application of human rights standards. Nenad Simić, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Anti-Trafficking Activities and National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator at the Serbian Ministry of Interior, highlighted the development of a comprehensive Law on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, which will soon enter parliamentary procedure. He emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, a multidisciplinary approach, and a robust legal framework for effective anti-trafficking action.
Mirjana Majstorović, a project coordinator for the Council of Europe, emphasized the vital role of lawyers in ensuring the effective protection of victims’ rights. She described human trafficking as both a serious crime and a significant violation of human rights that impacts victims’ dignity and integrity. Jasminka Peruničić Allen, also from the Council of Europe, introduced the HELP Programme, explaining its methodology and certification process.
The course is delivered by Tijana Kostić, a lawyer with extensive anti-trafficking experience. Through interactive modules, case studies, and practical examples, participants will deepen their understanding and skills for managing trafficking cases. The training is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (2023–2026).
The HELP course on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings introduces international legal instruments, such as the Council of Europe Convention and European Union policies, and examines national best practices. It primarily targets legal professionals, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and court staff, but is also beneficial for law enforcement, human rights institutions, equality bodies, and civil society organizations. The course is available in a self-learning format, taking approximately 13 hours to complete. It has been updated in 2024 and is available in Bosnian and Serbian. Upon completion, participants can generate an electronic Statement of Accomplishment.
The HELP courses aim to become an integral part of the national training curricula for legal and justice professionals in Council of Europe member states and beyond, ensuring long-term development of skills in combating human trafficking.
