La Strada International is proud to announce that after more than 12 years of the EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking in Human Beings, we have been finally accepted as a member, which we see as a recognition for our work.
This Platform, set up by the European Commission back in 2013, serves as a forum for civil society organisations working at European, national, and local levels, in the field of human trafficking and/or closely related fields. While it is the first time that La Strada International is selected for the Platform, many of our members were already part of the Platform and most of them have now been re-elected.
The Platform brings together civil society organisations from across the EU to exchange good practices and strengthen cooperation. We welcome the opportunity to contribute now directly to this important EU-led initiative and to strenghten our contacts and exchange with the Commission and other civil society actors in Europe to enhance early victim identification, safe reporting, access to justice, victim support, and awareness-raising.
It is important that civil society is engaged to shape effective and rights-based anti-trafficking responses.
The EU Anti-trafficking Directive emphasises the role of civil society and encourages EU countries to work closely with civil society organisations including recognised and active non-governmental organisations working with trafficked persons in:
- policymaking initiatives
- information and awareness-raising campaigns
- research and education programmes and in training
- monitoring and evaluating the impact of anti-trafficking measures
See the call that was launched by the Commission in February this year for members of the Platform.