France  - IOM France has launched a reintegration project to assist 130 victims of trafficking who have opted for voluntary return from European Union (EU) countries to their countries of origin in Africa, Asia and South America.

The Coordinated Approach for the Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking (CARE) project aims to assess the needs of up to 260 victims of trafficking who are contemplating the option of assisted voluntary return from Austria, France, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Out of the 260 assessed victims, IOM intends to provide flexible and tailored pre-departure, immediate post-arrival assistance such as the reception at the airport, safe accommodation, medical check-ups, secondary transportation to final destination, and reintegration assistance to 130 beneficiaries.

The reintegration package will include medical care, temporary housing, child care, income-generating activities such as job trainings, job placement, starting-up of a small business and other reintegration support as required on a case-by-case basis.

According to EUROSTAT’s Trafficking in Human Beings 2013 report, EU Member States reported in 2010 a total number of 9,528 victims. However, it is largely believed that the actual numbers are much more.

“Victims of trafficking experience cruelty, abuse and inhuman treatment. The perpetrators of this heinous crime are exploiting their vulnerability. Those willing to return to their countries of origin would take the step if given a chance and necessary support to reduce the risks of re-trafficking. The support that the CARE project offers with its in-built reintegration programme addresses their needs and help them make the decision,” says Nazanine Nozarian, the project’s coordinator.

CARE is primarily funded by the European Return Fund over 24 months and co-funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior. The Austrian Criminal Intelligence Service, the Portuguese Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality and the Office of the General Prosecutor in Spain are also supporting the project.

The CARE project was launched in Paris last week at an event attended by representatives from the participating countries: Austria, France, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please contact

Nazanine Nozarian
IOM Paris
Tel: +33140440684
Email: nnozarian@iom.int.