Nineteen judges, prosecutors, police officers and professionals working in victim and witness support strengthened their knowledge and practical skills on the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking in human beings and child trafficking during a seminar held in Banja Luka.

Organised by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Centre for education of judges and public prosecutors of Republika Srpska, the seminar focused on strengthening the practical application of victim-centred and child-sensitive approaches throughout investigations and judicial proceedings.

Through expert presentations, case studies, group work and discussion, participants explored contemporary patterns of trafficking, risk and vulnerability factors, victim identification and risk assessment, as well as challenges related to evidence collection and case documentation. Particular attention was devoted to the protection of child victims, including the application of the best interests of the child principle, child-friendly communication, procedural safeguards and measures to prevent secondary victimisation.

The seminar also highlighted the importance of effective co-ordination between police, prosecutors, courts and witness and victim support departments to ensure that victims are identified at an early stage and have timely access to protection and support. The discussions reflected relevant Council of Europe standards and the latest recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA).

The activity was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Strengthening Anti-Trafficking Responses in Bosnia and Herzegovina through Systemic Reform, Policy Development and Comprehensive Support for Victims”, funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029.