The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights organized a study visit to Sardinia from 31 March to 2 April 2026 as part of the project “Specialised support to (potential) victims of migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, and legal pathways for vulnerable groups in Serbia” The project is implemented with the support of the regional initiative “EU Support to Strengthen the Fight against Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans” (EU4FAST), implemented by a consortium of partners[1]and financially supported by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The aim of the visit was to exchange knowledge and good practices in the areas of migration, social inclusion, access to healthcare and the protection of vulnerable groups, as well as to establish and strengthen cooperation with relevant stakeholders in Italy.
On the first day, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights visited Associazione Sabrina Mura, an organization that provides legal assistance to migrants and other vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on an individualized approach to each case. We discussed the challenges in exercising rights in practice and the importance of accessible legal support. On the same day, we also met with ACOS, where we learned about their work on strengthening social inclusion and supporting marginalized communities through local initiatives.
On the second day, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights visited EMERGENCY, where we had the opportunity to tour the healthcare facility and discuss their model of providing free healthcare to vulnerable groups, based on the principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right. Afterwards, we also visited Movimento Omosessuale Sardo, an organization that provides support to LGBTQ+ persons and actively works to promote equality and combat discrimination.
On the third day, we met with the GUS / SAI Network, where we learned about comprehensive reception and integration programmes for migrants, which include accommodation, legal and social support, as well as activities aimed at inclusion in the local community.
The study visit provided insight into different approaches to supporting migrants and other vulnerable groups, as well as into the challenges faced by organizations in Italy in practice. The knowledge gained will be used to further improve the activities of the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, particularly in the area of protecting migrants’ rights and preventing exploitation.
[1] Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Federal Police of Germany (Bundespolizei), the Netherlands Centre for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), CIVIPOL – the international technical cooperation operator of the French Ministry of the Interior – as well as the Ministries of the Interior of Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia.
