Activities
and projects:
01st of December 2004 - 30th of November 2005 - COMBATING TRAFICKING IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Location: Skopje, Kumanovo, Delcevo, Sveti Nikole, Rostuse, Tetovo, Kicevo and Streuga
Funded by: Catholic relief services-CRS Macedonia
Goals:
Direct assistance and awareness raising toward trafficking phenomenon
This project consists from one national wide campaign and two local campaigns implemented by NGOs that are forming the informal network.
One month campaigns took place in February, Jun and October 2005 on the locations stated above covering their regions as well.
Campaigns were implemented through media presentations, tribunes, educational-prevention lessons, workshops and distribution of the print materials. Poll was conducted as well.
National campaign in June 2005 was implemented through billboards, city-lights and mini-boards placed in 10 towns in the country, state border crossings, coffee bars and other places with high circulation of people.
In the frames of the project the motion picture "You are alive" has been produced. Its premiere was on 9th of Jun in the Museum of Contemporary Arts and it was broadcasted on the TV stations throughout Macedonian afterwards.
Open gate evaluates that this project has significantly raised awareness on trafficking issue in Macedonia on local and national level.
01 of July 2005 - 30th of June 2006, COMBATING TRAFFICKING THROUGH MUTUAL COOPERATION
Locations: Skopje, Kumanovo, Bitola, Delcevo, Sveti Nikole, Rostuse, Tetovo, Kicevo and Struga
Funded by: Catholic relief services-CRS Macedonia and CARITAS France
Goals: Main goal of this project is forming of mobile national wide network of NGOs that will decrease the growing trend of trafficking and will increase the level of the support offered to the victims of trafficking. Networking will provide exchange of information and experiences and will enhance the work of each particular organization. The following activities will be part of this project:
- Seminar for formalization of the network which will determine its mission and vision and will gain the platform for networking.
- Seminar to determine
- the yearly activities of the network
- the sustainability plan for the network
- coordinative body that will lead the network
- Preparations for the production and the distribution of the electronically and print newsletter
- Update of the web site of the network
- Training for persons that works with victims of trafficking
Following organizations will take part in the implementation of this project:
NGO - LIFE PROLONGED STRUMICA
NGO - KHAM - DELCEVO
NGO - SEMPER - BITOLA
NGO - ALBANIAN WOMAN FORUM - TETOVO
NGO - EZRKA - STRUGA
NGO - FEMINA - KUMANOVO
NGO - Woman's Organizations St Nikole
NGO - RADIKA - REKA REGION
NGO - ALBANIAN WOMAN ORGANIZATION - KICEVO
NGO - TEMIS - SKOPJE
LA STRADA - "FREE YOUR MIND" MTV EUROPE MUSIC REWARD 2004 WINERS
Location: Tor Di Valle Rome; October 18th 2004
MTV rewarded LA STRADA with "FREE YOUR MIND" reward for dedicative work in combating trafficking in people phenomenon in Europe. Alicia Keys have received the reward in the name of LA STRADA.
The brake of Soviet Union in 1990 and wars at former Yugoslavia has initiated economical and political instability in the region which was accompanied with the raise of criminal activities. In the conditions of poverty and lack of opportunities young woman easily becomes victims of the organized criminal structures that make falls offers for well paid work and better life opportunities abroad turning girls into forced prostitutes. Accompanied with the higher demand for sex industry trade in woman becomes even worst tragedy. Some evaluations estimate that more than 500 000 girls and woman are trade for sexual exploitation.
La Strada is organization that makes efforts to provide key information to the vulnerable groups and offers psychosocial and medical help to victims of trafficking and working on their reconciliation after trafficking takes place. Goals of La Strada are to make trade in people more visible for state institutions, Medias and public in general and to educate young girls to recognize dangers from this phenomenon. La Strada accomplishes its goals through implementation of multidisciplinary approaches of informing and lobbing, prevention, education and social asistention.
PROJECT:
01 of Jun 2005 - 30th of November 2005
- Raising awareness at children from Roma communities on trafficking
Location: Skopje
Funded by IOM Skopje
Prevention classes for Roma children and presentation of SOS help line
GOALS:
- Lessons to raise awareness at young population especially at schoolchildren from Roma communities
- Presentation of SOSO help line for prevention from trafficking
- Introducing schoolchildren with trade in people phenomenon
- Informing Schoolchildren from Roma communities of dangers and ways to become victim of trafficking
- Distribution of educational materials
Project was implemented at schools in Petrovec, Dolno Konjari, Idrizovo and Suto Orizari.
PROJECT:
March 2005 - March 2007 "REZIDENCE" - Shelter for victims of trafficking
Location:Republic of Macedonia
Funded by USAID in cooperation with OSCE
Residence is the shelter fro victims fo trafficking where victims and potential victims can get direct support regarding this issue. We offer specialized services for clients, accommodation, food, clothes, psychosocial support, medical support, legal help and trainings in developing work skills that might help for better reconciliation of the victims of trafficking as well as prevention of trafficking.
Residence is placed on secret location and its team of trained professionals includes social workers and psychologists available 24 hours per day.
Generally victims and potential victims can be included in the Residence program after analyzes are made by the team.
Victims of trafficking are involved in the program exclusively by their own wish. Information provided from the victims is kept on safe and confident place.
Every citizen can contact with the Residence's team and give information related to trafficking on the following number: 070 359 230 and 070 359 251 or directly on the SOS line telephone:
0800 11111
The activities of the "Open Gate" have been realized through a mutual unselfish commitment of a great number of participants.
The "Open Gate" expresses its most sincere gratitude to all the friends, associates, and donors who have made provisions for a successful realization of all the foreseen activities.
In particular, we would like to thank the Department for the Rule of Law at OSCE, UNICEF, Macedonian Telecommunications, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Catholic Relief Services (CRS) thought office in Macedonia and Kosovo, Caritas Norway and Caritas France, Institute for Sustainable Communities, Mama Cash, French Embassy in Macedonia, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foundation Christliche Ostmission-Switzerland; King Baudouin Foundation; Kvinna till Kvinna, Office of the United Nations Against Drugs and Crime, International Organization for Migration (IOM) for financially supporting our activities.
<OPEN GATE> Activities in Combating Human Trafficking July - August - September
1. A Seminar for Creating Strategic Plan of the Network
A three-day Seminar for Strategic Planning took place as a part of the project "Mutual cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Macedonia". The project was financially supported by "Caritas" - France, through the Catholic Help Services - CRS. Its implementation began on 1st July, 2005. Representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations who fight the Human Trafficking took part in the seminar. The seminar took place from 15 to 18th September, 2005 in Strumica.
2. Preventive lessons and presentation of the SOS phone line in primary schools in Skopje and its surroundings, as a part of the Project for Raising Public Awareness of the youth, especially of the Roma school children.
The project took place from 1st June to 30th November, 2005.
A number of preventive lessons were held and educational materials were distributed among the students during the period of July, August, and September in several primary schools in Skopje and its closest surroundings. At the same time, there was a presentation of the SOS - Hotline for Help and Prevention of Human Trafficking. Special attention was paid to the schools of predominantly Roma school children. The students were introduced to the Human Trafficking and its traps into the criminal network, as well as with the security measures: the SOS - Hotline and the services provided by it.
The activities took place in the villages of Petrovec, Dolno Konjari, Idrizovo and Suto Orizari.
These activities are part of the "Open Gate's Campaign for Prevention, which is financially supported by the Office of the International Organization for Migration from Skopje and the Government of Republic of Finland.
3. Distribution of preventive materials in Private Medical Centers in Macedonia
In August and September, this year, "Open Gate " established contact with the Private Medical Centers throughout the country in order to present the SOS - Hotline for help and prevention of Human Trafficking and to introduce the services rendered by the SOS -Operators. All approached Centers approved the idea.
4. Meetings with the other SOS Hotline Representatives
During September, contacts were established with representatives of two Non-Governmental Organizations: HOPS and the First Children Embassy "Megasi". Its goal was to exchange information on "client sharing" mechanism. The meeting with the First Children's Embassy "Megasi" raised the issue of mutual lobbying and advocating at the Governmental Institutions for the SOSO - Hotline to be incorporated in the budget of Republic of Macedonia
5. Police Workshop in cooperation with "PROXIMA",
During the past three months a team of "Open Gate" was cooperating with the European Police "PROXIMA" in Training Police Officers and Inspectors throughout the country. The workshops dealt with the method that should be applied with the victims of Human Trafficking and the approach towards the victim while performing the initial interview.
6. Reception Centre for potential and identified victims of Human Trafficking
The Reception Centre for potential and identified victims of Human Trafficking is aimed for both domestic and foreign victims.
7.
Distribution of materials
"Open Gate" took part at the "Coca Cola Sound Wave" Festival, which was held on 2nd of August in Ljubanista, where it used the opportunity to distribute educational materials among the guests.
8. "La Strada's" 10th Anniversary - from 13th to 17th September
The 10th Anniversary of La Strada was celebrated in Varsaw, Poland. "Open Gate" took part at the event as well as the other "La Strada" Network Partners and Donors.
9.
Participation in seminars
"Open Gate" takes active participation in seminars throughout the country and abroad. In July, August and September "Open Gate" visited the following seminars:
- 7 July 2005-Bitola; Promotion of a multimedia CD - Human Trafficking.
- 14-20 July- Croatia; Financial Management Training/Organizational Evaluation and Victim Support Protocol, organized by AKTA (Anti Corruption and Anti Trafficking Action)
- 10-12 August-Skopje; Conference for Mutual Exchange of Experience which was participated by Non-Governmental Organizations from Macedonia, Kosovo and Ukraine.
- 15-16 September- Bucharest; Conference: Victims of Human Trafficking on the Balkans participated by High Commissionaires involved in Combating Human Trafficking( Helga Konrad from OSCE - Special Commissioner for Combating Human Trafficking), Representatives from the Ministry for Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affaires from Southeastern Europe Countries and representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations and Embassies.
During
its existence, the Open Gate “La Strada” has realised numerous
activities:
Prevention, Education, and Social Assistance to Women Victims of
Trafficking in Women.
Duration: January- September 2001
Location: Skopje
Financed by: Kvinna till Kvinna
PREVENTION CLASSES FOR GIRLS FROM MACEDONIA
Goals of the project:
• To train the
members/employees of “Open Gate” for the purpose of a more
efficient combat against trafficking in human beings;
• To inform the public more thoroughly about the problem of trafficking
in women;
• To inform young girls about the ways in which they can be involved
into the network of trafficking in human beings and to protect
them from it.
The Project included
several preventive lectures attended by 86 girls from various
cities throughout the Republic
of Macedonia.
Local non-governmental organisations that demonstrated interest
in the work related to trafficking with human beings were identified
in the course of the Project. We are continuing our cooperation
with these organisations.
*****
V-DAY - WORLDWIDE
CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIOLENCE TO THE WOMEN Time:
March 5, 2002 
Place: Skopje
Financed by: Kvinna till Kvinna, Swedish SIDA; UNHCR; World Learning;
Star Network, and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia.
MACEDONIA A PART FROM A WORLD LEAGUE AGAINST VIOLENCE
Goals:
• To raise the
awareness in the Republic of Macedonia about the problem of violence
against women;
• To lobby in public institutions, ministries and media to support
this initiative;
• To inform the public in the Republic of Macedonia about the
work of non-governmental organisations that combat this problem;
• To raise funds that will be used for the support of women
that are victims of violence and trafficking.
During the realisation
of this event a press conference and a
regional meeting of 100 non-government organizations from Macedonia
and region were held. The central event was the theatrical
performance “Vaginal Monologues”, and it was followed by
the presence of
the author Eve Ensler. With this event Macedonia joined the
V-day worldwide campaign fighting violence against women.
*****
V-DAY - WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN
AGAINST VIOLENCE TO THE WOMEN
Time: March 27, 2003
Place: Skopje
Financed by: Kvinna till Kvinna, Swedish SIDA, OSCE
THE FUNDS FROM AUCTIONS
ASSIGNED FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAFFICKING WITH HUMAN BEINGS AND
HOME VIOLENCE
Goals:
•To raise the awareness
in the Republic of Macedonia about the presence of the problem
of violence against women;
•To lobby in public institutions, ministries, and media to support
this initiative;
•To inform the public in the Republic of Macedonia about the
work of non-governmental organizations that combat this problem;
•To raise funds that will be used for the support of women
victims of violence and trafficking in human beings.
The
central event was held in the “Holliday Inn” hotel.
There was a charity auction supported by the organisers and
other
NGOs from the Republic of Macedonia - they donated traditional
Macedonian
items. The participants were invited to buy the items by
auctions. All the money raised from the auction was aimed for
the women
victims of trafficking and domestic violence.
With this event the Republic of Macedonia again participated
in the worldwide campaign fighting violence against women.
***** SOS LINE FOR INFORMATION AND PREVENTION FROM TRAFFICKING WITH HUMAN
BEINGS
02 2777-070 FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLS
0 800 11111- FREE OF CHARGE SOS LINE
Duration: August 2002-December
2004
Location: Skopje
Financed by: OSCE, UNICEF, Macedonian Telecommunication
and Mama Cash.
FOR MORE EFFICIENT
COMBAT AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS, STARTING FROM 1 OCTOBER
2002 THE NGO OPEN GATE OPENED AN SOS TELEPHONE LINE FOR INFORMATION
AND PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS. POTENTIAL VICTIMS
AND VICTIMS FROM TRAFFICKING CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
ON SEVERAL LANGUAGES.
9 OPERATORS WORK ON THE SOS TELEPHONE LINE. THEY ARE THERE EVERY
DAY, 12 HOURS A DAY, STARTING FROM 8 A.M. TILL 8 P.M. THE OPERATORS
OF THE SOS LINE PROVIDE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
• Basic information
about trafficking in human beings;
• Emotional assistance;
• Psychosocial assistance;
• Information on the safety of living and working abroad;
• Basic legal advice;
• Information and assistance of the client in trouble;
• Assistance to establish contact with relevant
institutions;
• Assistance when going back in the country of origin;
• Referral to other institutions.
***** “NETWORK
OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND MUTUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE CAMPAIGN FOR RAISING THE PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR TRAFFICKING
IN HUMAN BEINGS”
Duration: 1 October
2003 - 30 April 2004
Location: Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo, Bitola,
Delcevo, Sveti Nikole, Rostuse, Tetovo, Kicevo and Struga
Financed
by: USAID through the Institute for Sustainable Communities in
the frame of the program for democratic co-operation
PREVENTION ON A
STATE LEVEL
Goals:
•The goal of
this project is to provide more efficient prevention, transfer
the knowledge and expertise on trafficking in human beings to
other NGOs in the Republic of Macedonia;
•The implementation of this project will contribute to the prevention
on local level, and that will make the combat against this kind
of organised crime more efficient;
•The process of evaluation of the organisation has started by
creating a list of possible local NGO candidates. We used our
own database for local NGOs and the contact lists from the OSCE
mission, IOM and the Institute for Sustainable Communities;
•There were questionnaires for the process of selection. They
were sent to 30 organisations out of which 20 were selected for
interview:
•The final selection is a list of 10 NGOs from pre-selected cities.
*****
ACTIVITIES OF THE LA
STRADA PROGRAM:
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE LA STRADA PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION
AND LOBBYING:
DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN
BEINGS
•Ongoing media
campaigns, establishing media contacts, giving interviews, writing
and publishing articles;
•Educating and raising awareness among groups of professionals,
decision makers and the general public;
•Addressing to the members of Parliament and governmental institutions;
•Organising seminars, conferences and workshops both for NGOs
and Governmental organisations;
•Collecting information about national laws on prostitution and
trafficking, and monitoring the process of implementation of
international standards;
•Developing National Action Plans against trafficking with women.
*****
ACTIVITIES OF THE LA STRADA PROGRAM FOR PREVENTION AND EDUCATION EDUCATION ON RISK GROUPS
•Producing
and distributing educational and informational material, aimed
at different target groups - young women at schools, universities
and orphanages, unemployed women, women with low income, sex
workers etc.;
•Visiting schools, universities and other institutions and
delivering lectures on prevention;
•Building up relationships and conducting training seminars
for labour agencies, NGOs, street workers, embassies, police
officers, teachers and others that might be involved in prevention
activities;
•Disseminating the telephone number of local La Strada Hotlines
among (possible) victims of trafficking in women so that young
women seeking advice on jobs abroad can be informed about the
risks involved and the possible alternatives.
*****
ACTIVITIES OF THE LA STRADA PROGRAM FOR DIRECT SUPPORT: TOTAL SUPPORT OF THE NEEDS OF THE VICTIMS
•Developing
complete care programs for victims of trafficking, including
emotional and social support, accommodation, and medical
and legal services;
•Operating local Help lines and providing anonymous consultations
and advice in practical, medical, legal and social matters
to victims, survivors and their relatives;
•Advocating on the special needs and interests of women survivors
of trafficking and referring them to social support services;
•Developing international networks of NGOs and other institutions
to ensure the women's safe return to their own countries;
•Establishing local and national networks of relevant services
and institutions in support to survivors.
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