Protector of Citizens’ report calls for continued action to strengthen the response to trafficking in human beings

Back Protector of Citizens’ report calls for continued action to strengthen the response to trafficking in human beings

The third Report on trafficking in human beings in Serbia highlights progress in Serbia’s response, while pointing to areas where further action is needed to strengthen the identification and protection of victims and the prosecution of traffickers. The report, presented by Zoran Pašalić, Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia and National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, contains 43 recommendations aimed at improving the response.

The presentation brought together relevant anti-trafficking stakeholders from institutions, civil society and international organisations to discuss the findings of the report and priorities for strengthening the response to trafficking in human beings.

The report points to several positive developments in 2025, including the adoption of the new Law on Preventing and Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings and Protection of Victims, an increase in reports of suspected trafficking and in the number of formally identified victims, as well as strengthened professional and technical capacities. In 2025, 75 victims were formally identified – the highest number recorded over the seven-year period.

“The adoption of the new anti-trafficking law marks a positive turning point in strengthening victim protection in Serbia. Its effective implementation will require continued joint efforts and strong co-operation among institutions, civil society and international partners to ensure that victims are identified and protected at the earliest possible stage,” said Nenad Simić, National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ministry of the Interior.

Evgenia Giakoumopoulou, Acting Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, welcomed the publication of the third report and stressed the importance of sustained independent monitoring in strengthening Serbia’s response to trafficking in human beings.

“Independent monitoring plays an essential role in identifying gaps, measuring progress and strengthening a human rights-based and victim-centred response to trafficking in human beings. The adoption of the new anti-trafficking law is an important achievement. The findings and recommendations of the National Rapporteur, together with GRETA’s monitoring, can now help translate this progress into effective implementation and stronger protection of victims,” said Giakoumopoulou.

The report also identifies remaining challenges in the detection and prosecution of trafficking cases and in strengthening victim protection. At the same time, its findings and recommendations will inform the 2027–2029 Action Plan, alongside the new recommendations stemming from GRETA’s fourth evaluation of Serbia.

The event was supported through the action “Strengthening Anti-Trafficking Action in Serbia”, implemented within the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

Belgrade 25 September 2026

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The Council of Europe Office in Belgrade was opened by the Secretary General on 16 March 2001, as a contact point for co-operation with the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which had applied for membership in the Council of Europe. The work was already underway on joint projects. It has remained in place ever since.

Serbia became the 45th member of the Council of Europe in April 2003, a development that was a natural consequence of the major political changes which took place in autumn 2000 and which allowed Serbia to claim its rightful place among the democratic states of Europe.

Through the Office in Belgrade, the Council of Europe continues to assist the country in its process of democratic reforms and its European integration. In recent years, the Office, in close co-operation with the Serbian authorities, has supported reforms of democratic institutions, the rule of law, human and minority rights, including of the Roma and the LBGTI communities, and local and regional self-government.

The Office also continues to assist with co-operation regarding economic, social, cultural, scientific, legal and administrative matters, and in the maintenance and further realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Belgrade Office: Results in 2025