Program of Support and Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior set up a special program for support and protection of victims of THB older than 18 years.

The objective of the program is to provide probable victims of THB with support and protection, based on an individual risk assessment. If possible victims voluntarily accept an offer to participate in the program, they fill in and sign an initial statement which encompasses the rights and duties relating to their involvement in the program.

Victims of trafficking are granted a 60-day period of reflection, during which they can decide whether to participate in criminal investigations. During this period the victims receive complex assistance. This may include asylum accommodation, health care, financial assistance, additional social care, psychological and social advisory services, psychotherapeutical services, legal advisory services, assistance with voluntary return to the country of origin and follow up social assistance, long-term social integration, support in seeking jobs, re-qualifying training courses, etc.

This system is for third-country nationals and EU citizens who have become victims in the Czech Republic, and for Czech victims identified abroad. Specialised NGOs or the police can reffer people for placement in the program, after which the Ministry of the Interior is consulted.

The main aims of the Programme are to ensure support and protection of human rights and the dignity of the victims, to motivate the victims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and to enable the victims to return to their countries of origin safely without any cost. The main advantages of the program are complex help and assistance to the victim and solving their residence status.

Contact:
Ms. Pavla Dršková
Ministry of the Interior
pavla.drskova@mvcr.cz

The project started in 2003 and is still running.
Last review: January 2020