Support victims of human trafficking in Serbia

While people around the world welcomed New Year’s Eve ASTRA team met Marko, who had been trafficked for labor exploitation and coerced into committing minor criminal offenses.

For a long time, Marko lived under strict control. He worked without fair pay, had his freedom of movement limited, and was constantly monitored. He was also forced to take part in petty crimes, which deepened his dependence on his exploiters and made it even harder for him to leave the situation.

Everything began to change when his case was reported to the police by neighbors. Police intervened and then referred the case to service providers. In cooperation with the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, he was formally identified as a victim, which enabled access to protection mechanisms and support services.

With coordinated efforts between civil society organizations and public institutions, ASTRA helped him take the first steps toward recovery and independence.

Marko was provided with safe accommodation and continuous access to food, hygiene supplies, and other basic necessities. We supported his relocation to Belgrade, helping him adjust to a new environment and access essential services. Through ongoing psychosocial support, he began to rebuild his sense of safety, regain confidence, and learn how to recognize and avoid risks.

A key part of his recovery was economic empowerment. With ASTRA’s support, he prepared his CV, applied for jobs, and practiced for interviews. Over time, Marko’s efforts paid off—he found a job and secured a stable source of income.

Today, he is taking the next step: transitioning out of supported housing and moving toward fully independent living. ASTRA continues to guide this process, ensuring he has the tools and support needed to maintain stability and prevent re-exploitation.

This story highlights how crucial coordinated support is. No single organization could have addressed all his needs alone. But together—with timely identification, safe housing, psychosocial care, and economic support—it is possible to help survivors not only recover, but rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

Your support makes stories like this possible.

Sometimes, life-changing interventions begin in the most ordinary places.

This summer, on a busy beach along the Albanian coast, Ana—a Serbian tourist traveling with her young daughter—noticed something that didn’t fit the carefree holiday atmosphere. Among sun umbrellas and vacationing families, she observed Bea, a woman working at their accommodation. Bea was polite and hardworking, but visibly exhausted. Her posture, her silence, and short, careful answers raised quiet alarms.

Over the course of a few days of casual conversation, a troubling reality emerged. Bea spoke of extremely long working hours, little or no pay, no days off, and constant fear of her employers. Most alarming of all, her passport had been taken away. She had no freedom of movement, no access to institutions, and no idea how to seek help.

For Ana, these were not complaints—they were warning signs of exploitation. Refusing to look away, she listened, believed Bea, and acted. As soon as she returned to Serbia, Ana contacted ASTRA, sharing everything she had learned. That single decision—to take responsibility instead of staying silent—set an international rescue effort in motion.

Acting Across Borders

With Bea’s consent and contact details, ASTRA began reaching out carefully. Communication was slow and cautious, conducted through short messages whenever Bea was able to respond. She was afraid, often monitored, and unsure whom to trust. But she confirmed the key facts: she had no documents, no security, and no way out.

ASTRA knew that effective help required local action. With Bea’s permission, they activated their regional partner network and contacted an organization in Albania specialized in supporting victims of violence and labor exploitation.

A 24-Hour Response That Changed Everything

Once local NGO received the referral, their team acted immediately. Locating Bea was challenging: her employers frequently moved her between locations, her phone access was restricted, and communication was unstable. Still, both organizations remained in constant contact, coordinating day and night.

Within 24 hours, Bea was safely placed to their emergency shelter.

For the first time in months, Bea could sleep without fear. She had a secure place to stay, food, medical and psychosocial support, and—most importantly—someone who listened and believed her.

Protection, Rights, and a Way Forward

After being placed in safety, local NGO conducted a full assessment and identified Bea as a potential victim of human trafficking, with clear indicators of labor exploitation. The case was reported to the Albanian Ministry of Interior, and protection measures were initiated.

In the following days, Bea received psychosocial support, counseling, and clear information about her rights. As she expressed a wish to work in Serbia—where she has family and a support network—an online coordination meeting with ASTRA was organized to develop an individual support plan jointly.

During this cross-border case conference, the two organizations assessed risks and legal pathways to ensure Bea’s safety, legal status, and access to lawful employment in Serbia. With coordinated support in place, Bea was able to make an informed decision about her future and move forward toward safe relocation and legal work.