A Multi-Agency Model of Cooperation for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Bulgaria

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES Trafficking in human beings poses a problem of serious proportions in the Balkans, including Bulgaria. According to the 2007 U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons Report, Bulgaria is a country of origin and transit and to a lesser extent a country of destination for trafficking in persons. The report notes the increased number of Bulgarian victims trafficked abroad, primarily for the purpose of sexual exploitation but also for labor purposes, and remarks critically on the delay in formally implementing the National Anti-trafficking Strategy. Bulgaria has seen a considerable rise in convictions, as well as continued efforts in protection and prevention. Bulgaria is a Tier 2 Country, meaning that the Government of Bulgaria does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.

USAID INVOLVEMENT In 2003, shortly after the adoption of Bulgaria’s anti-trafficking legislation, USAID entered into a cooperative agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide support to Bulgaria’s newly created anti-trafficking institutions – the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Persons (under the Council of Ministers) and Local Anti-trafficking Commissions.

GOAL The anti-trafficking program’s overarching goal is to help the Government of Bulgaria in creating and strengthening its institutions tasked with combating human trafficking, as well as enhancing these institutions’ partnership with civil society. These goals are to be achieved through:

• Capacity-building assistance to the Government of Bulgaria in implementing the anti-trafficking legislation.
• Providing small grants to indigenous organizations for community-based work addressing root causes of trafficking in persons.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The program activities include providing technical assistance, training, refurbishing and equipping the Commission’s offices, and carrying out public information campaigns.

• Refurbishment and Equipment: As part of their capacity-building assistance to Bulgarian institutions, USAID and IOM are working to refurbish and equip the offices of the National Commission so that this institution can have a home corresponding to its important functions and status.
• Institutional Development of the National Commission: USAID and IOM helped create an Expert Group under the National Commission comprising state officials with positions that are key to fighting trafficking in human beings in Bulgaria. The Expert Group Members serve as advisors to the Executive Secretary of the National Commission and play an important role in ensuring coordination among the various institutions that have a role in fighting human trafficking. Additionally, the program supports a number of networking and training initiatives for the Secretariat of the National Commission, other state institutions, municipalities and civil society.
• Institutional Development of Local Commissions: The program supports the creation of local anti-trafficking commissions in critical regions of Bulgaria.
• Public Communication: USAID and IOM support the development and implementation of a Public Communications Strategy for the National Commission. Supported outreach activities include building the website of the National Commission, organizing public forums, awareness events, producing, publishing and broadcasting information materials, and encouraging various forms of media coverage.
• The children’s football team from Sofia’s biggest Roma neighborhood, Fakulteta. USAID and IOM grantee Roma Chitalishte ELIT is the sponsor of the team. Photo: IOM
  Small Grants: USAID and IOM provide small grants to community-based projects targeting at-risk groups. The projects help improve conditions within the communities and integration of those at greatest risk for being trafficked; provide equal opportunities for women and children through vocational education; encourage cultural and communal activities; and keep children in school, thereby making them less vulnerable to traffickers.

SUCCESS STORY In May 2007, IOM and the USAID Participant Training Program organized a study tour for key state officials with responsibilities for combating human trafficking. Communication and collaboration among these officials’ institutions is essential for the success of anti-trafficking work in Bulgaria. As a direct result of the study tour, the participants formed an Expert Group, which assists the Executive Secretary of the National Commission. The Expert Group participated in the development of the National Anti-trafficking Action Plan for 2007.

^{Last updated: 31 July 2007}