Training “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the identification and referral of victims of sexual and gender-based abuse and human trafficking among vulnerable migrants”

On 24 – 25 June 2015 IOM Minsk in cooperation with project partners conducted the training “Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the identification and referral of victims of sexual and gender-based abuse and human trafficking among vulnerable migrants” in Minsk region. The training was organized in the framework of EC/UNDP project “Supporting the Republic of Belarus in Addressing Irregular Migration and Promoting Human Rights of Vulnerable Migrants” and funded by the European Union.
The event brought together 25 representatives of State Border Committee, Ministry of Interior, non-governmental and international organizations.
The purpose of the training was to enhance the knowledge of Border Guard officers working in the check points to deal with victims of sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking, to introduce the standard operating procedures for the identification and referral of the target group to the relevant organizations.
Border Guard personnel are the front-line officers who are the first to contact, screen and identify the possible victims and further to refer to the adequate organizations. They require the practical Guidelines (SOPs) to equip them with the special skills needed for the early identification and support to the victims of SGBV/THB, adult or child, for all kinds of exploitation, domestic or international trafficking, related or not to organized crime.
The objectives of the training were met and the participants acquired practical knowledge on criteria of identification of victims of SGBV/THB, including minors, according to national legislation and international standards; types of assistance available and confidentiality principles.