Danish Programme Against Human Trafficking, Phase II (2009-2011):

Region:         Eastern and South-Eastern Europe

Countries:     Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus

Duration:       3 years

Start date:    January 2009

Trafficking in human beings has been described as a modern day form of slavery. It commonly affects countries undergoing significant economic and/or political transition and conflict. Links have been found between criminal networks trafficking human beings and those trafficking narcotics and weapons. Individuals keen to seek a new life meet a demand for cheap labour and sexual services in more affluent regions or countries. Traffickers use threats, force, and other forms of coercion, including fraud and deception to manipulate their victims. Victims are exploited for the profit of the traffickers and are often forced to perform work with which they do not agree. This is particularly true in the case of sexual services.

The new Danish Programme builds on the result of its predecessor which ran between 2006 -2008. Working through key implementing partners in Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus, which include both international and non-governmental organizations, the programme supports national counter-trafficking plans and works with government agencies to support their role as leaders of counter-trafficking efforts. The programme works within a widely recognized approach, whereby efforts are focused within the three broad areas of prevention, protection, and prosecution.

1. Strengthened national counter trafficking strategies and mechanisms;

2. Streamlined and improved access to and provision of services for VoTs;

3. Better targeted prevention activities effectively reach vulnerable groups, and

4. Strengthened international and regional co-operation on responses to trafficking.

The new programme works through three Country Steering Groups, in which key implementing partners in each country work together to implement multi-faceted national programmes. A Regional Steering Group facilitates the coordination of regional activities, including where possible countries of destination in addition to the three programme countries. A Regional Partner Forum involving all partners in the programme is held annually where budgetary and other issues of general interest are discussed. Emphasis is placed firmly on local ownership of the programme.

The Human Trafficking Programme will fit within the broader strategic framework provided by the Danish Neighbourhood Programme 2008 - 2012 (Second Phase) which channels assistance in a range of fields to the Western Balkans, the Russian Baltic Sea regions (Kaliningrad and Pskov), Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, the Caucasus, as well as Croatia, and Turkey. The immediate objective of the Neighbourhood Programme is to contribute to promoting open democratic societies founded on the rule of law and based on stable political and economic development in the EU’s neighbouring countries to the east and south east, and to avoid unnecessary divisions in Europe.

The Danish Programme Against Human Trafficking will contribute to promoting human rights and to strengthening the government/civil society co-operation in the countries.

2009-11   3-Year Action Plan: 
Matrix of the activities planed under the DANATIP (DPAHT) Phase II Programme
(Version January 2009 - pdf file 1.8MB)