DIRECT: Develop coordination with migrants to enhance inclusion of trafficked persons

The DIRECT project (Develop coordInation with migRants to Enhance inClusion of Trafficked persons) aims to prevent human trafficking through solid cooperation with migrants and refugees and to promote the integration of third-country nationals who have been trafficked. The project is based on a solid partnership that brings together organisations from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.  

Given the existing gaps in the prevention of trafficking in human beings and the access of trafficked persons to protection, rights and support services in EU Member States where the consortium organisations operate, the project aims to promote the early identification of trafficked persons and, at the same time, their socio-economic integration into the host societies.   

To achieve these goals, the partner organisations carry out the following activities as part of the project:  

• Specific training on human trafficking for migrant-led Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and professionals in direct contact with (potentially) trafficked persons; 
• Empowerment, soft skills and vocational training for trafficked persons aimed at socio-economic inclusion and long-term integration;
• Awareness-raising campaigns for communities at risk of human trafficking to improve their understanding of the phenomenon and promote prevention.   

The project follows a participatory approach, where activities are not only aimed at third-country nationals, but are designed and developed together with groups, organisations and networks of migrants and refugees. DIRECT aims to give a voice to those affected by exploitation and human trafficking, to strengthen their ownership of the project results and to promote their empowerment.