At a glance 

The action focuses on strengthening victim compensation mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting national capacities and practical tools to identify, seize and confiscate assets linked to trafficking, and to use recovered assets for the benefit of victims.

It also addresses online-facilitated trafficking, supporting measures to detect, investigate and prevent digitally enabled exploitation, while improving access to essential victim support services, including safe accommodation, psychosocial assistance, healthcare and reintegration support.

The project supports the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and builds on GRETA’s evaluation findings and previous project results. 

 Funding 

This project is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.

 Duration 

01 January 2026 - 31 December 2029

What are the goals and objectives of the action?

The project aims to strengthen legal protection and support for victims of trafficking in human beings across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It provides assistance to authorities to draft and implement laws and procedures that enable victim compensation, including measures for asset seizure and confiscation, ensuring that recovered resources are used directly for the benefit of victims.

It also seeks to enhance the capacity of specialised lawyers and civil society organisations to deliver coordinated legal assistance. This includes supporting networks of professionals through training, technical guidance and coordination mechanisms to ensure victims systematically receive expert legal representation. In addition, legal aid frameworks are reviewed and harmonised so that victims of trafficking are recognised as eligible beneficiaries.

The project addresses emerging challenges in trafficking by developing practical tools and specialised guidance for law enforcement agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders to prevent and respond to online-facilitated trafficking. It also promotes inclusive prevention and protection measures, particularly for child victims and vulnerable communities, and ensures professionals adopt a trauma-informed approach in protecting victims’ rights.

Who benefits from the action?

The action targets professionals involved in preventing and responding to trafficking in human beings, including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, lawyers, social workers, child protection and healthcare professionals, labour inspectors, civil society and media representatives.

The main beneficiaries include key national and entity-level institutions responsible for security, justice and law enforcement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as judicial and prosecutorial training centres, labour inspectorates, and civil society organisations.

How does the action work?

The action delivers practical support across prevention, protection and response through several complementary approaches:

• Strengthening professional capacities: Law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, social workers and other frontline professionals receive training on trafficking for labour exploitation, child trafficking, and online-facilitated offences, with attention to digital technologies and risks faced by vulnerable groups such as Roma communities.
• Implementing compensation and victim support mechanisms: Authorities receive guidance on applying legislation on victim compensation and asset recovery, while procedures for victim identification and access to support services are improved, including technical upgrades to shelters and access to legal aid.
• Supporting civil society organisations: Grants are provided to NGOs to enhance the quality, reach and sustainability of services offered to victims.
• Engaging survivors: Persons with lived experience of trafficking are actively involved in shaping anti-trafficking policies, public awareness campaigns, and community-based initiatives, ensuring that the project remains victim-centred.

What do we expect to achieve?

The action aims to ensure that victims of trafficking in human beings have better access to justice and coordinated, rights-based support. It strengthens legal and institutional frameworks and equips professionals with the tools and skills needed to identify victims, investigate cases, and prosecute trafficking offences, including those facilitated online.

The project also ensures that people with lived experience of trafficking are actively involved, giving them a voice in shaping anti-trafficking policies, public awareness activities, and community initiatives.

What is the budget of the action?

The total budget of the action is 1 200 000 EUR.

Reference documents:

 GRETA evaluation report on Bosnia and Herzegovina GRETA(2022)06.