On 27 and 28 July, ASTRA – Anti-Trafficking Action organized a two-day training in Nis entitled “Understanding and Responding to New Migration Trends – The Role of Civil Society”, bringing together civil society organizations that provide support to migrant populations and other vulnerable groups.
The training was organized within the framework of the Strengthening Serbian Migration Response and Inclusive Society project, to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations to identify risks related to labour migration, labour exploitation and human trafficking, while also fostering stronger cooperation and coordination among organizations working in this field.
Over the course of two days, participants explored current migration trends in Serbia through expert presentations, interactive discussions and the exchange of practical experiences. The programme focused on the challenges faced by foreign workers, mechanisms for preventing labour exploitation and human trafficking, the role of relevant institutions, the legal framework governing the employment of foreign workers, procedural protection of victims of human trafficking, and the practical challenges civil society organizations encounter in providing support to migrants.
One of the greatest strengths of the training was the highly engaging and open discussion among participants. Representatives of organizations from different parts of Serbia shared their experiences from daily practice, discussed barriers to the protection of foreign workers’ rights, and jointly explored ways to strengthen institutional responses and improve cooperation among civil society organizations. These exchanges once again demonstrated the importance of continuous networking and collaboration among organizations working to protect the rights of migrant populations.
A particularly memorable part of the programme was the final session on the role of civil society, during which representatives of the Migrant Workers’ Trade Union shared their first-hand experience of working with foreign workers in Serbia. Their practical insights and open dialogue with participants added an important perspective to the training, highlighting the human stories behind policies, statistics and legal frameworks. The session sparked one of the most dynamic discussions of the event and further strengthened participants’ shared commitment to enhancing the protection of foreign workers’ rights through closer cooperation, knowledge sharing and coordinated action.
The training was organized within the Strengthening Serbian Migration Response and Inclusive Society project, implemented by ASTRA – Anti-Trafficking Action as part of the broader initiative “Strengthening Serbia’s Response to Migration and Inclusion Challenges”, funded by the European Union and the Asylum Protection Center (APC). The initiative is implemented by the Asylum Protection Center (APC), Klara i Rosa, the Volunteer Centre of Vojvodina, and Dituria.