EU Project Page - WeBalkans

Listen the voice of trafficked persons and fight organized crime - Annual Work Programme 2025

Project Description

The 'Listen to the Voice of Trafficked Persons and Fight Organised Crime' project aims to strengthen North Macedonia’s response to human trafficking and organised crime by placing the rights, needs, and experiences of victims at the centre of policy development and practical interventions. The project focuses on improving the identification, protection, and support mechanisms for trafficked persons, ensuring that they receive timely and adequate assistance in line with human rights standards.

In parallel, the project promotes stronger cooperation between institutions and civil society organisations in addressing trafficking-related organised crime. It supports capacity building of relevant stakeholders and fosters cross-sector dialogue to ensure a more coordinated, victim-centred, and effective response, aligned with EU and international standards.

Specific Objective

Overall objective:
• To contribute to enhancing participatory democracy and the European integration process of North Macedonia by strengthening the role of civil society in decision-making processes and improving sector capacities for joint action in the fight against organised crime.

Specific objective:
• To empower civil society actors to actively monitor government policies and undertake actions in the fight against organised crime.

Expected Results

• Improved protection and support for trafficked persons through strengthened mechanisms for identification, assistance, and empowerment of victims, ensuring their rights and needs are prioritised.
• Strengthened institutional and civil society cooperation through enhanced coordination between government institutions, law enforcement bodies, and civil society organisations in combating human trafficking and organised crime.
• Increased awareness and capacity building through improved knowledge and skills of stakeholders by using targeted training and awareness-raising activities, leading to more effective prevention, prosecution, and victim support.
• Victim-centred policy and legislative reforms through national policies and legal frameworks strengthened and aligned with EU and international standards, incorporating the experiences and voices of trafficked persons.