Prevention of THB and the Identification, Protection, Support, Return & Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking

Project completed

The Programme takes a comprehensive approach to improve the collaboration between Switzerland and Bulgaria in combating human trafficking. It undertakes activities to improve the main components of the fight against trafficking, namely prevention of trafficking, identification of victims, provision of protection to victims of trafficking, immediate, medium-term and long-term support to them and shall facilitate the return of victims to their country of origin.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bulgaria
Improving social security
Combating corruption and organised crime
01.07.2014 - 31.05.2019
CHF  1’863’478

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Target groups
  • Law enforcement and control agencies (Police, Customs Agency, etc.)
  • Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings
Activities
  • Set up of a bilateral guideline to facilitate and formalize the collaboration between the two countries in THB
  • Monitoring mechanism allowing for an ongoing control and improvement of the quality of the national referral system.
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and the design of complementary policies and monitoring mechanisms/tools for post-shelter victims to avoid re-trafficking
  • Six workshops with the vulnerable groups and three annual campaigns as well as a helpline to provide information on how to work and live legally abroad
  • Establishment of a multi-agency mobile team unit based in the Bulgarian National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings with dedicated knowledge of Swiss institutions etc.
Results

Achieved results:  

(by the end of 2018) 

  • Research on current situation of Trafficking in Human Being (THB) available
  • 80 Bulgarian experts trained on victims’ identification referral
  • Transit Center accessible 24/7 established in Sofia
  • One crisis center + one shelter with 10 beds established
  • Improved access to accommodation and services for Victims of Trafficking and thus improved respect of their rights to receive unconditional immediate, medium-term and long-term support
  • Increased access for victims of trafficking to IOMS’s return and reintegration support
  • Study visits, workshops and training seminars for Bulgarian and Swiss THB experts are improving collaboration and exchange of experiences
  • Improved mutual knowledge (BG-CH) on institutions, practices, modus operandi of traffickers and referral of victims
  • Capacity building of NCCTHB and strengthened in its national coordination role
  • Enhanced strategic and operational exchanges between Bulgarian and Swiss organisations dealing with THB, also on a case-by-case basis have culminated in the finalisation of the bilateral guidelines on identification, referral and re-integration of VoTs and its imminent publication in 4 languages. This increased cooperation with Swiss stakeholders has also resulted in a decision to organize THB Action week in Switzerland in spring 2018
  • Increased public awareness of vulnerability to THB and increased visibility through a proactive prevention campaign and a press conference conducted by ANIMUS in the summer of 2017


Expected results:  

 

  • ICMPD Research on current situation of THB
  • Completed guidelines approved by NCCTHB and KSMM Switzerland
  • 80 Bulgarian experts trained on victims’ identification referral
  • Transit Center accessible 24/7 established in Sofia
  • One crisis center + one shelter with 10 beds established
  • Study visits, workshops and training seminars for Bulgarian and Swiss

 


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
  • Swiss Private Sector


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’863’478 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    636’707 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    2’239’504
Project phases

Phase 10 01.07.2014 - 31.05.2019   (Completed)

Phase 2 15.09.2012 - 30.09.2017   (Completed) Phase 1 01.09.2012 - 30.06.2016   (Completed) Phase 1 15.09.2012 - 31.12.2017   (Completed) Phase 1 15.09.2012 - 31.03.2018   (Completed) Phase 1 01.07.2013 - 30.06.2018   (Completed) Phase 1 01.07.2013 - 31.12.2017   (Completed) Phase 1 01.04.2014 - 30.09.2018   (Completed) Phase 1 01.05.2014 - 31.12.2017   (Completed)