NGO Atina is spotlighted in the latest edition of the 23rd quarterly Newsletter on the fight against human trafficking in Southeast Europe, which covers the period from January to March.

This issue brings together significant regional developments, collaborative projects, and expert insights in the ongoing effort to combat human trafficking, with a special focus on Serbia and neighboring countries.

In the editorial, His Excellency Pierre Cochard, French Ambassador to Serbia, provides an in-depth analysis of the regional challenges in addressing human trafficking. He also highlights the importance of the strong and fruitful Franco-Serbian cooperation in this field.

NGO Atina’s work is presented alongside ASTRA Anti-Trafficking Action as a key civil society effort in Serbia. Our organization’s targeted initiatives to prevent prostitution, pimping, and sexual exploitation are emphasized as vital components of the broader movement to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and migrant workers.

The newsletter also introduces CAP International, a coalition of organizations advocating for the global abolition of prostitution.

Additionally, the newsletter includes coverage of the regional expert workshop, co-hosted by UNODC, held in Dubrovnik on the theme “Combating Human Trafficking in the Age of New Technologies.” It also reports on the regional Europe preparatory meeting for the upcoming UN Crime Congress and the visit of a delegation from the French Ministry of Justice to Vienna.

Human trafficking continues to be a pressing issue in the Balkans. Serbia, both a source and destination country, faces increasing challenges, particularly with the exploitation of migrant workers and the growing use of digital platforms for trafficking.

Serbia’s recent legal reforms, welcomed by GRETA in 2023, are steps in the right direction. 

However, as highlighted in the newsletter, coordinated international efforts are still crucial. France has been a steadfast ally in this fight, supporting initiatives like those led by Atina to enhance victim protection and combat criminal networks.

Read the full newsletter here bellow.