„Although I was already aware of the problem of human trafficking, now, having finished this course, I think more about this phenomenon and perceive the situation on the streets and in society through different eyes“, noted a municipal court judge in Sarajevo, one of the participants in the first HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) online course on trafficking in human beings.
In July 2020, 17 legal professionals will receive certificates for having completed the HELP course offered within the action Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The course improved the knowledge and awareness of the judiciary and of legal professionals as regards specific elements of the offence, the rights of the victims and the access to remedy. The participants expressed satisfaction with the shared information and international practice. Moreover, they had the opportunity to continue exchanging opinions with the tutor and fellow colleagues after the course.
„It would be crucial and very useful for decision makers to take this course. I would recommend taking advantage of the offered platform that broadens your knowledge and encourages you to think more deeply about this problem“, believes one of the judges at the Sarajevo municipal court, who participated in the online course.
HELP courses on trafficking in human beings, tailored to the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are contributing to better understanding and decisive fight against this phenomenon and they are aimed primarily at legal professionals on the forefront of this fight, but they are open to all other relevant partners.
„I participated in a previous HELP online training organised by the Council of Europe, and I find that the training on offer has generally improved. I would recommend it to professionals in the field and would definitely like to participate in other such training”, shares his opinion a senior associate at Banja Luka municipal court.
In May and June, 60 participants enrolled into two HELP online courses on trafficking in human beings, amongst which are not only legal professionals, but also students, professors, police officers, labour inspectors and civil society organisations representatives. Two online courses are ongoing and should be completed in August 2020.
The action on „Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ is implemented under the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme „Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019 - 2022“.
