Deadline: 14-Oct-21
The UK invites project proposals to support the delivery of a holistic approach to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) in the Dolj and Olt counties in the southern region of Romania.
This project is a significant part of a wider portfolio of projects which seeks to support the Romanian government and civil society in reducing the drivers of Serious and Organized Crime.
Addressing human trafficking and SOC requires international cooperation, as the nature of these crimes is transnational and criminal networks frequently operate across borders. This is a priority policy area for the British Government and the British Embassy Bucharest, as Romania is a source, transit and destination country for MSHT. In 2020 alone, the British referral mechanism registered 368 Romanian victims of trafficking.
The UK’s strategy for tackling MSHT crime threats and risk has four pillars: Prevention, Protection, Pursue and Prepare (the four “P” s). Broadly these pillars cover:
- prevention of individuals being drawn into crime, and reduction of vulnerabilities for potential victims
- protection of victims, including in their interactions with the legal system, or from societal stigma and isolation
- pursuing criminals, by improving law enforcement capacity in working on MSHT cases or supporting victims in working with the justice system
- preparing law enforcement, government (including local government) and civil society to handle and identify MSHT cases more effectively
Objective
The main objective for this project is to reduce the risk of human trafficking in the counties of Dolj and Olt through prevention activities and campaigns, improving capacity to prosecute criminals, protection of victims and preparing local government, communities and influential actors to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the future.
Scope of Work
- The project should be focused in Dolj and Olt counties and take into account both rural and urban communities. If there is natural crossover into neighboring counties (eg Teleorman, Cara-Severin), this would also be considered in scope but the project should focus on in-depth in a limited location rather than having national reach.
- This project may act as a pilot for future work (depending on the availability of UK funding) so capturing results, monitoring of outcomes and demonstrating ability to replicate or adapt to other regions will be significant factors in the evaluation of bids.
Funding Information
Grant applications must include an estimated budget of up to 848,750 RON.
Activities
Activities financed under this project could include:
- awareness campaigns delivered through the local media and informal local leaders to discourage vulnerable individuals from becoming involved into human trafficking, whether as perpetrators or victims
- training sessions for informal community leaders or individuals with relevant responsibilities, to empower them to identify signs of modern slavery and report them to the Romanian authorities
- offering trauma-informed care training to local police officers and law enforcement
- improving victim pathway support with Police Officers and Prosecutors, enabling better engagement
- efforts to break myths and stigma around human trafficking victims, in communities, or with authorities
- offering psychological and legal counseling to survivors, supporting their reintegration and preventing re-trafficking
- campaigns or activities targeted at those at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity and promoting positive alternatives to crime
- providing training or resources for professionals in a position to identify trafficking risks (eg airport staff)
- educational activities focused at young people on protecting themselves from human trafficking risks, including recruitment tactics
- financial and technical support to victim support organizations or shelters in the region, aimed at reducing re-trafficking risk or financial dependence
Project Approach
- Bidders are asked to submit a project proposal which will be approved by the British Embassy Bucharest and will form the basis for project planning. The proposal should set out how the implementing partner (s) will deliver activities to support the objectives set out with an implementation plan and supporting budget. The British Embassy Bucharest will oversee the project planning and provide the necessary contacts to the implementers.
- The project implementer (s) will manage project logistics, including travel plans, lodging, car hiring etc. and is expected to consider the pandemic context and its possible impact on the project implementation when submitting the bid.
- The Embassy will provide contact persons and focal points for UK institutions or experts that might be needed in the process. The Embassy can also facilitate providing government expertise from the UK to support activity where appropriate and proportionate. The Embassy can also provide support to ensuring the project reflects UK holistic approaches and methods, and will work implementers on this.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/call-for-bids-holistic-approaches-to-address-challenges-of-modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking-in-romania