Hungary Eyes opened up to Children on the move in Europe

Project : MARIO 6 Nov 2009 | child exploitation child trafficking nrm trm protection systems

Budapest, Hungary: “During the workshop today, I gained new motivation to my daily work, and learned special experiences on child protection issues from professionals. This workshop proved that there are many common aspects for the improvement of the situation of children in need among professionals coming from diverse institutions”, said the head of programs for Foreign Unaccompanied Minors at Hungarian Inter-Church Aid.

16 governmental and non-governmental organizations were represented by 28 participants participated last week to the National Workshop – “Children on the move in Europe” – Mechanisms and possibilities of protecting children on the move from exploitation and trafficking, organized by Tdh in the framework of Mario Project. Participants were legal experts, child protection service providers, social workers and journalists.

The first topic raised in the workshop was about detection mechanisms of children victims of exploitation and trafficking presented by Vincent Tournecuillert, Tdh Regional Child Protection Officer. This panel provided a broad picture on the phenomenon of exploitation and trafficking of children, and “opening” to children on the move in Europe. The presentation was illustrated with practical activities on how exploited and trafficked children can be detected.

Participants discussed more in depth about National Referral Mechanisms, the reasons of trafficking and also legal and statistical background information through the presentation of Monika Lazar from IOM. Also she provided an overview on how presumed victims of trafficking can be assisted, including their protection, assisted voluntary return, reintegration etc.

The last objective of the workshop was to raise awareness of participants to “Keeping children safe” toolkit and how to create child safe environment in institutions. The presentation was given by Colin Tucker, Tdh Child Protection Manager. [EM]