Discussion Forum on "New trends in human trafficking. Countering the crime and responding to the challenges".
On 05.10.2023, the Local Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings - Varna held a discussion forum for professionals at the Hotel Cherno More, Varna on the topic "New trends in human trafficking. Countering the crime and responding to the challenges". The initiative was carried out by the LCCTHB Varna, Directorate "Prevention", Varna Municipality, together with the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and with the support of the Hans Seidel Foundation in implementation of the Program for the activities of the LCCTHB - Varna for 2023, Section III, "Training and qualification of personnel" and implementation of the National Program for the prevention and counteraction of trafficking in human beings and protection of victims. The forum was part of the initiatives on "18 October - European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings".
Forum goal: Raising professionals' awareness of the challenges associated with the methodology of investigating the crime of trafficking in human beings, presenting up-to-date information on cross-border cooperation in the investigation of international trafficking, as well as new forms of trafficking. The region's specificities, investigative difficulties were discussed and good practices in countering human trafficking were shared. In order to raise sensitivity towards victims, participants were introduced to trends and challenges related to victims of trafficking, protection measures, and subsequent reintegration.
26 representatives of Varna District Prosecutor's Office, Varna Regional Prosecutor's Office, Investigation Department of Varna District Prosecutor's Office, Varna Police Department, Varna Border Police, Varna BOP Sector, members of LCCTHB Varna participated in the event.
Leading speakers at the forum were Prosecutor Gergana Kyurkchyiska, prosecutor at the State Prosecutor's Office, a proven specialist with extensive experience in investigating and counteracting human trafficking and Ms. Anna Nikolova, chairperson of the "SOS - Families at Risk" Foundation and manager of the Shelter for temporary accommodation of victims of human trafficking in the city.