EUSR/EUD Head of Home Affairs and Public Security Section, Richard Wood, visited a shelter for victims of human trafficking in BiH on Wednesday 25 February. He met with Mrs. Amela Efendic, Head of the International Forum of Solidarity – EMMAUS Sarajevo Office and President of INHOPE – International Association of Internet Hotlines, who provided an overview of the facility, treatment and services provided to potential victims of human trafficking accommodated in the shelter. Mrs. Efendic also informed him about the relevant legal background, the National Referral Mechanism and support provided by the local authorities to this shelter.

The shelter is an important factor in the fight against human trafficking in BiH and the fight against major and organised crime. It provides protection and necessary support for the recovery of victims of human trafficking and their reintegration into society. 16 victims hosted in this shelter are provided with full legal and physical protection in accordance with the highest EU and international standards and practices.

This facility is the only one of this type in BiH providing assistance, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration services to both foreign and domestic victims of human trafficking. In order to do this, IFS-EMMAUS cooperates and has signed Protocols with both BiH Ministry of Security (responsible for foreign victims), and the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees (responsible for domestic victims). Both of these state-level institutions provide financial and technical support to IFS-EMMAUS and this shelter.
 
Richard Wood said in a meeting following the visit that policy on fighting human trafficking in BiH is not at a satisfactory level. He added that it requires more attention from all relevant agencies and institutions in BiH in the coming period. “Legislation needs to be harmonised with the EU Acquis, primarily in the Federation of BiH, and law enforcement activities need to be improved resulting in a higher rate of identified victims and convicted perpetrators,” Mr. Wood stated.

EUSR/EUD will further assist local authorities in their efforts through close co-operation in accordance with its mandate in BiH.