Today, at the European House in Belgrade, in partnership with the e-Governance Academy, ASTRA – Anti-Trafficking Action organized an expert panel titled “Digital Safety: Protecting the Most Vulnerable from the Risks of Human Trafficking.”
On behalf of the e-Governance Academy, Milan Sekuloski addressed the audience, providing a broader perspective on the (mis)use of digital technologies. He emphasized the importance of supporting civil society, as well as the need for strong cooperation between institutions, the private sector, and civil society in responding to contemporary social challenges in the digital environment.
Representing ASTRA, Tamara Vukasović recalled that certain recommendations and challenges had been identified as early as twenty years ago through initial research such as “A Look Through the Internet Window,” and that some of these challenges remain unresolved today, particularly in the context of digital risks and human trafficking.
Mirjana Mitić then presented the key findings of the research “The Digital Dimension of Human Trafficking,” including the methodology, relevant case studies, recommendations, and a campaign aimed at recognizing grooming as a form of manipulative behavior.
Following the introductory presentations, an expert panel was held focusing on concrete support and protection mechanisms, challenges in practice, and recommendations, with a special emphasis on digital safety and the risks faced by young people and other vulnerable groups.
The panelists included:
-
Ivana Dasović, school professional associate, who spoke about the role of schools as the first line of protection and early risk detection;
-
Kosta Gajić, Head of the National Children’s Helpline, who presented the work of Sigurni čet (“Safe Chat”), trends in contacts from children and youth, and experiences from online counseling;
-
Jovana Markulić, social worker from the Autonomous Women’s Center, who spoke about working with beneficiaries and the digital (in)security of women and girls;
-
Miroslav Jovanović, Head of the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, focusing on the digital aspect of trafficking and victim protection;
-
Vladimir Vujić, Head of the High-Tech Crime Unit of the Ministry of Interior, who presented the unit’s procedures and current operational challenges; and
-
Dragana Obradović, educator at the National Contact Center for Children’s Safety on the Internet, who spoke about the “Safe and Secure” platform and practical experiences.
The event was moderated by legal expert Marija Lukić.
Following the panel, an open discussion was held during which professionals from different sectors exchanged experiences, shared recommendations, and identified needs and opportunities for improving cross-sector cooperation.
The conclusions and recommendations formulated during the event will be used to develop an advocacy document, which will serve as a basis for further activities in the field of digital safety and protection from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
The expert panel was organized within the framework of the regional project “KnowCyber – Support to Civil Society Organizations from the Western Balkans,” implemented by the e-Governance Academy in cooperation with ASTRA, with financial support from the European Union.