Students and doctoral students from the University of Gdansk participated in the training course ‘Identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking. Voluntary return and reintegration assistance programme’. The two-day series (19-20.02.2024) of workshops was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (UN) at the invitation of Barbara Kijewska, PhD, coordinator of the CZRUG Internship Programme, and Rafał Raczyński, PhD from the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, UG. The training was conducted by Agnieszka Reczyńska, lawyer and IOM lecturer.

The main topics discussed and worked on during the two days of training included the legal instruments applicable to combating trafficking in human beings and the differences between smuggling and trafficking. The presenter discussed the risk factors of trafficking by citing real-life stories. The trainees also had the opportunity to learn about the methods used by perpetrators of trafficking and how the profile of a potential victim is determined. The last two points of the workshop dealt with the rights, protection and support of victims of trafficking and the voluntary return and reintegration assistance programme.

International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization.

IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility.

The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.