2009 – Programs to combat human trafficking

With EU cooperation and funding, CIMI turned its attention to the development and management of activities in Israel, and began using earmarked grants to assist migrants on a large scale. The organization produced programs, workshops, and publications on how to identify victims of trafficking for government ministries and civil society working with migrant workers and victims of trafficking and modern slavery. At the same time, Israel signed bilateral agreements (see below), a voluntary repatriation program – Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) – was developed, and the Refugee Status Determination mechanism was established. During those years, civil servants were offered training in a range of subjects and study trips were conducted abroad to learn about the European experience of migration management. A study was conducted on methods of bringing labor migrants into the country. CIMI intensified its cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and the Interior, which contributed funding for the program, as required by the EU.

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With Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MASHAV funding, CIMI began a comprehensive collaboration with the authorities and civil society in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Uzbekistan (where most of the victims of human trafficking in Israel came from) aimed and preventing and combatting the phenomenon. The collaboration included study trips on law enforcement by the authorities, training welfare authority and NGO staff, and the retraining of victims of trafficking from Eastern Europe in shelters in Tel Aviv.