Belgrade – The Regional Conference “Liberalization of Access to the Labour Market: Potential for Regular Migration and Prevention of Risks related to Precarious Employment and Human Trafficking” was held on 14-15 October 2024 in Belgrade. The conference aimed to explore various aspects of protecting workers’ rights from violations, considering established standards and practices, and to discuss policies for combating human trafficking with a focus on the risks of labour exploitation.
Representing MARRI, Regional Centre Director Snezana Trajanovska, MSc, attended the event. As a panellist in the session “Strengthening of Referral Mechanisms – Potential of Intersectoral and Intergovernmental Cooperation,” Director Trajanovska emphasized the importance of strong regional cooperation and solid referral mechanisms in combating labour exploitation, particularly of migrants.
The conference facilitated an exchange of experiences and knowledge between institutional and non-institutional actors, highlighting systemic challenges and the need to improve the legislative framework. Special focus was given to preventive measures, protection mechanisms, and addressing the labour exploitation of migrants. The discussions also underscored the need for enhanced regional cooperation to develop a coordinated response to human trafficking.
The event was hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking. It was supported by the German Development Cooperation’s Global Program “Shaping Development-Oriented Migration” (MEG), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).