People on the move – improving protection against smuggling and human trafficking
Within the project “Security for human beings and borders-combating smuggling of migrants in the Western Balkans” funded by the European Union, with the support of the association Vaša prava Bosnia and Herzegovina (VP BiH) from the Balkan Refugee and Migration Council (BRMC), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Foreign Policy Initiative BH will be implementing a project called “People on the Move – Improving Protection against Smuggling and Human Trafficking”.
The Western Balkans (WB) is still a transit route for irregular migrants trying to reach Western Europe. Migrants cross the borders illegally, mainly by using alternative methods and routes as well as smuggling services provided by individuals and organized criminal groups.
In 2020, there was an increased pressure of illegal migration of foreign nationals trying to cross the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Western European countries, which indicates that Bosnia and Herzegovina has become a transit center and a fertile ground for organized crime and human trafficking.
The overall goal of the project is to develop the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in BiH and citizens in the context of proactive protection of persons on the move as potential victims of smuggling and trafficking.
The project will contribute to the process of EU integration by establishing a protective and sensitive migration management system in the Western Balkans while establishing an appropriate balance between security and protection of state borders, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants.
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Period: September 2021 – February 2022
Donor: European Union
Project Implementer: Foreign Policy Initiative BH
Contact person: Hata Kujraković, Project Officer
