Description
The project takes a holistic approach to the fight against trafficking in human beings at local level aimed at a) the early identification of victims of trafficking in the area of Thessaloniki through outreach work and b) strengthening the local social protection system through the operation of a Drop-In Centre for Potential/Presumed Victims of Trafficking in Thessaloniki that will provide specialized low-threshold services to population groups that are known to be at high risk of trafficking (information on human rights, psychosocial counseling, referral and accompaniments, case management, etc). Also the project involves horizontal public awareness activities aimed at (a) (potential) trafficking victims for raising their awareness of their rights and the services offered at the Drop-in Center, and (b) among the local population on the prevalence of trafficking in the area, how to reduce demand for products and services rendered by trafficked individuals, particularly tourists and businesses in the area of Thessaloniki.
Summary of project results
Trafficking is by volume the third most prominent type of organised criminal activity, after drug trafficking and arms dealing. It is estimated that its annual turnover is around €25.7bn, of which 22.6bn come from sexual exploitation. Greece is a transit and destination country for victims of human trafficking (coming into the EU) where 20,000 women, among which around 1.000 girls aged 13-15, are victims of sexual exploitation. The most essential problems faced by the victims and contributing to their victimization is that they do not know about their rights and also it is very difficult for them to come into contact with authorities or other support agencies in order to obtain relevant information. Consequently, they are unaware of the provisions of the national and European regulatory framework for basic issues, like their rights to medical care, how to obtain a resident’s permit and their labour rights, and their rights regarding access to justice. This ignorance makes their efforts of getting away from their exploiters really difficult, while at the same time it deters them from understanding that they are actually the victims in this situation. The aim of the project was to implement a comprehensive intervention for the timely identification of potential and possible victims of trafficking in the wider metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, as well as providing support to them, both informative and psychosocial. This was made possible through the successful operation of an easily accessible Drop-in Centre for Victims of Trafficking in the area of Thessaloniki, as well as targeted street work for facilitating the quicker and timelier identification of victims of trafficking. During the street work interventions, almost 500 people were located and informed about the project, while the drop-in centre received over 80 visits from potential victims, during the 12 months of its operations, of which at least 40 were referred to other agencies and organisations. Last but not least, the project contributed significantly to the sensitization of the general public through the implementation of a targeted awareness raising campaign. In more details, a TV-radio spot was created and broadcasted, while at the same time information material was also printed and distributed in the area of Thessaloniki. Moreover, information sessions were organized and took place in all Municipal Departments within the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
Summary of bilateral results