ASTRA – Anti-Trafficking Action contributed to the development of a handbook for lawyers and the implementation of a Training of Trainers on human trafficking, held on 30 March 2026 in Podgorica, within a Council of Europe project.
The handbook was developed as a comprehensive tool for legal professionals, offering an in-depth overview of key aspects of combating human trafficking – from international and national legal frameworks, to understanding the phenomenon and the position of victims, as well as practical guidance for lawyers in the processes of identification, protection, and representation of victims.
The Training of Trainers brought together experienced legal professionals – including the authors of the handbook and experts with many years of experience working on human trafficking cases. In this context, the training also had a strong consultative character, enabling the exchange of knowledge, experience, and practices among participants, while further strengthening the content and practical application of the handbook.
During the training, key modules of the handbook were presented, including the national legal framework and practice, understanding human trafficking and victims’ needs, communication with victims, as well as victims’ rights and the role of lawyers in their identification and protection.
As part of the programme, ASTRA’s Executive Director, Marija Anđelković, participated as one of the trainers, with a particular focus on working with victims, communication and provision of support, as well as practical insights from direct assistance to victims of human trafficking.
Special emphasis throughout the training was placed on strengthening the role of lawyers within the victim protection system, as well as on the importance of a sensitive, interdisciplinary, and victim-centred approach at all stages of proceedings.
This activity represents an important step towards strengthening the capacities of legal professionals in the region for more effective identification, protection, and representation of victims of human trafficking, as well as towards enhancing cooperation between the judiciary and organisations providing support to victims.
ASTRA remains committed to advancing professional standards and practices in the field of combating human trafficking through knowledge sharing and regional and international cooperation.
Photo: High Contrast/CC BY 2.0 DE/Wikimedia Commons