About ASTRA
MISSIONASTRA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to eradication of all forms of trafficking in human beings, especially in women and children, through a comprehensive approach to the problem, with the aim of eliminating this specific type of violence and affirming a society free of exploitation, violence, discrimination, economic and social inequalities.
VISIONASTRA’s VISION is to be leader in a comprehensive solution of the problem of trafficking in human beings and of other forms of violence, towards their eradication in South East Europe.
VALUES WE EMBRACE IN OUR WORKRespecting human rights in accordance to international standards
Tolerance and appreciation of differences
Working towards the highest standards
Dedication and commitment
PROGRAMSASTRA carries out its activities through four programs:
Prevention and Education Program – This program operates at three level. For the representatives from NGOs and institutions that (may) come across trafficked persons in their work (the police, social workers, judges, medical doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.), we organize specialized trainings, seminars, roundtables and lectures. Visibility of the problem of human trafficking and public awareness are raised through large-scale media campaigns, which may involve the production of video spots, radio jingles, posters, leaflets, booklets and manuals, as well as through continuous cooperation with the media. Special attention is paid to the work with youth who are generally under risk of trafficking. For them, we organize workshops, lectures, street actions, while ASTRA activists try to be present at all events that attract greater numbers of young people.
SOS Hotline and Direct Victim Assistance – Through SOS Hotline, we provide assistance and support to victims of human trafficking and their families, while citizens may obtain information about the problem of human trafficking and the possibilities for legal work abroad.
Direct victim assistance is based on referring victims to shelter, the provision of legal aid, medical assistance, psychological assistance, as well as on accompanying victims through the judicial proceedings and through the process of reintegration and social inclusion. Within this program ASTRA runs a Daily Center, as a safe place where our clients could enjoy various activities and contents, such as creative workshops, language courses, encounter groups, educative workshops, yoga, movie afternoons, psychodrama etc.
Networking Program- For efficient fight against human trafficking, it was necessary to build a strong network of activists and centers, which would cover the whole territory of our country. We have formed ASTRA Network that gathers 11 local NGOs from Serbia, all of them dealing with the problem of human trafficking.
ASTRA is also one of the founders of regional ACTA (Anti Corruption Anti Trafficking Action) Network.
Research and Reports – From the beginning of its work, ASTRA has been conducting surveys into the problem of human trafficking, from gathering all available data about its size to identifying new trends and analyzing its specific aspects.
So far, ASTRA has published several research papers, manuals, alternative reports and working materials for trainings and for trainers. In October 2004, we launched ASTRA E-newsletter, a quarterly review of all relevant information on anti-trafficking activities and anti-trafficking actors in the Republic of Serbia.
