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Tag: Missing Persons’ Families Support Centre

Posted on June 8th, 2016 By

New Scientific Work on Human Trafficking Released in Lithuania

 

Natalja Kurčinskaja, Director of the Missing Persons’ Families support centre, sends us good news!
In the absence of a rehabilitation centre for victims of human trafficking in Lithuania, a research report on human trafficking in Lithuania, has recommended that the first such centre be opened and administrated by the Missing Person’s Families Support Centre, at a new premises. 

In a study which was conducted from 02-03-2015 to 30-12-2015, this new scientific work considered the issues relevant to the National Human Trafficking Prevention and Control model in Lithuania. The study also considered the possibility of future models.
It explored the scope and main causes of the human trafficking phenomenon in Lithuania, in relation to the risk groups. The concept of victimhood was explored from the context of  statutory regulation applicable to both the European Union and Lithuania.
The study used a systematic approach to exploring the foundations of the National Human Trafficking Prevention and Control model, comprising three main systems – a separate and specialized program for human trafficking prevention and control; an operators system and a co-ordination system.
Specifically, the first system dealt with strategic executive oversight over objectives and tasks. The operators system offered an  oversight control system over various subjects dealing with human trafficking and the last system related to parliamentary oversight and recommendations for efficient legislation. It is beleived that the structure of this model justifies a full cooperation between national and municipal subjects.
Poverty, lack of education, social vulnerability and exclusion are powerful risk factors which often precondition victims to be lured into trafficking and later sold off. Added to this is the lack of information on victims and the lack of systems which facilitate the exchange of important information.
Summary conclusions and recommendations:

  1. Develop a new Human Trafficking Prevention and Control programme, in parallel with a Public Security Development Programme. Special emphasis be placed on the prevention of trafficking of children and minors.
  2. Amend legislative instrument ATPK 1821, to include new regulations covering prostitution and buyers of sex.
  3. Ensure continued research and studies relating to evolving methods of human trafficking and with a view to identifying new risk groups.
  4. In the absence of a rehabilitation centre for victims of human trafficking in Lithuania, it is recommended the first such centre be opened and administrated by the Missing Person’s Families Support Centre.

 
Source: Summary of “PREKYBA ŽMONĖMIS IR SISTEMINIS POŽIŪRIS KAIP PROBLEMOS SPRENDIMAS” by Dr. Igoris Bazylevas and Virgilijus Pajaujis, p.92.
Full study in Lithuanian language available here: PREKYBA ŽMONĖMIS IR SISTEMINIS POŽIŪRIS KAIP PROBLEMOS SPRENDIMAS An English version is proposed for a later date.
 
Information shared by Natalja Kurčinskaja, Director of the Missing persons’ families support centre
 
Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person
 

Posted on December 30th, 2015 By

New Legislation in Lithuania for Identification of Victims of HT

 

In Lithuania, new legislation comprising the Identification of Victims of Human-Trafficking, Recommendations for the Pre-trial Investigation and Inter-institutional Collaboration was signed into law at the General Prosecutor’s Department of the Lithuanian Republic (LR) on the 12th of December, 2015.
Natalja Kurcinskaja, Director of the Missing Persons’ Families Support Centre, in Vilnius, Lithuania shares her report on the introduction of recent legislation in Lithuania which is intended to combat human trafficking and support victims.
News from Lithuania delivered by Mrs. Natalja Kurcinskaja, MPFSC
 
Adapted and amended by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person

Posted on September 30th, 2015 By

Challenges in Fighting Human Trafficking, Relation from Lithuania

 

Ms Natalja Kurcinskaja, Director of The Missing Persons’ Families Support Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, along with Ms Justina Šerėnaitė and fellow staff members, attended the Conference on “Challenges in fighting Human Trafficking”, 17th September, 2015.
Amongst the delegates were police officers, public prosecutors, representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, NGOs and representatives of local administrative institutions, all of whom considered the specific challenges faced in fighting Human Trafficking in Lithuania.
Human Trafficking in its various guises was explored, for example, minors being trafficked in order to steal and minors being trafficked in order to feature in fighting shows.
Delegates learned of the almost impregnable international infrastructure which surrounds and protects traffickers, thus making it more difficult to apprehend the perpetrators.
Considerable time was given to considering the victims of human trafficking and the extent of their traumas. The traumas can be so intense for victims that they are reluctant to make court appearances in pursuit of their traffickers. In many instances, victims are too frightened to testify or when they do and it comes to a final date for a court appearance, they change their testimonies.
The main purpose of the Conference was to maximise the potential of existing legislation to assist the organisations working to prevent human trafficking.  It was agreed that victims do not get the essential supports required because of a lack of co-ordination amongst the national institutions and NGOs.

From 23rd – 25th September, another Conference on human trafficking was held at the United States Embassy in Lithuania, again attended by representatives of the Police force, office of the Public Prosecutor, Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, NGOs and local administrative institutions.
US Federal Court Judge, Virginia Kendall, gave the keynote address, drawing from her many years of experience in working to prevent human trafficking.
Clearly there is a concerted effort being made in Lithuania, to combat and prevent human trafficking and the exploitation of persons and it is believed that collaboration and communication amongst all concerned, is key to the success into the future.
Much more information about the Missing Persons’ Families Support Centre at www.missing.lt
 
Adapted and compiled by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person

Posted on March 6th, 2015 By

Round Table Discussion on Human Trafficking in Lithuania

 

Round Table discussions in Lithuania_1The Missing Persons’ Families Support Centre in Lithuania (member of RENATE), organised a round table discussion on best practices in the prevention of human trafficking. The event took place in the British Embassy in Vilnius on the 26th February 2015. In addition to sharing best practice, participants learned about the United Kingdom’s  organisations which are helping victims of  trafficking. Round Table discussions in Lithuania_2
Twenty two delegates attended, representing key organisations such as the Lithuanian Prosecutor’s Office, the Lithuanian Police, the Vilnius City Municipality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vilnius City Social Support Centre, Children’s Rights Protection and Adoption Service.

 

 

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