PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The activities foreseen in the project are the following:

Research on attitudes and feelings of the general population and employers towards victims of trafficking

The researches are carried out in order to: a) assess the extent to which Greek society is informed on matters related to trafficking and sensitized about the particular problems faced by this group, b) analyze views, attitudes, feelings and possible prejudices or stereotypes of the Greek society towards the presence and participation of these persons into the Greek social and economic settings, c) explore perceptions of the public opinion concerning the role of the state, competent authorities and institutions, special groups (i.e. employers, mass media, etc) as well as civil society in avoiding and minimizing racist phenomena against trafficked persons and d) record and study employers’ views on the creation of preconditions for the integration of victims of trafficking into the Greek labor market.

Setting up and operation of Multiple Intervention Structures for victims of trafficking

Three Structures in different areas of the country have been established and operate as Shelters for trafficking victims. These structures provide services such as: Short-term accommodation, Medical and Health care, Psychological and social support, Legal counseling and support, Information and Guidance, Vocational Training, Meditation with employers in order to promote and support labor integration. Apart from services directly addressed to members of the target group (victims of trafficking), the above Structures also provide information to and cooperate with services and organizations working in the field of trafficking and providing services to victims.

Multi-language Information Guide addressed to victims of trafficking

One of the main tools foreseen in the project is a Multi-language Guide addressed directly to victims of trafficking. This Guide will provide information about their rights, the existing measures and policies in Greece for their protection and support, contact details about organizations providing services to victims of trafficking, etc. This Guide will also serve as a reference for services and entities working with victims of trafficking.

Guide for Journalists “Trafficking in Human Beings and Greek Mass Media”

The purpose of this Guide to provide information and guidance on basic principles that should be applied in order to avoid discrimination and stigmatization of trafficked persons and prevent/combat the phenomenon of trafficking in general. It shall be properly processed in order to assess how issues related to trafficking are being presented in the mass media, to demonstrate good and bad practices and formulate conclusions and proposals for journalists and the media at large.

Organization and operation of a Network of Volunteers to combat trafficking and support victims

This Network has been established in order to attract and collaborate with: a) Professionals interested in providing, on a volunteer basis, individual support to specific needs of trafficking victims (i.e. interpreters, lawyers, psychologists, social workers) and b) Professionals, prominent personalities and other persons who are sensitized on issues related to fundamental rights of trafficking victims and are willing to contribute to the fight against trafficking in human beings.

Implementation of training seminars on issues related to trafficking

The training seminars shall be addressed to: a) Specific categories of staff and professionals, such as attorneys, judicial personnel, police officers, interpreters, social workers and in general professionals dealing directly with trafficking victims, with the aim to strengthen their capacity and effectiveness in the provision of services. b) Persons interested in joining the Volunteers’ Network or newly arrived volunteers, in order for them to be informed about the aims and functions of the Network and the ways they can contribute to the achievement of the Network’s goals. In addition, volunteers will also get training on specific issues according to their level of knowledge and experience on trafficking.

Information, Sensitization and Awareness Raising Campaign

The campaign aims to spread information about the project, raise awareness on trafficking issues, promote good practices to policy makers and service providers and facilitate exchange of information and experience. The campaign includes written and electronic material, creation and updating of a web page, one-day events, conferences, production and broadcasting of television and radio spots, etc. Emphasis is placed on combating the phenomenon of trafficking through information and sensitization activities, especially targeted to male population so as to eradicate the “use” of victims from uninformed “clients”.