Atina welcomes the French Ambassador: A powerful message in the 16 Days of activism

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the French Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Florence Ferrari, and the prosecutor Cyril Lacombe visited the Reintegration Center run by NGO Atina, a safe, empowering space for survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence.

Survivors receive comprehensive, long-term support that honors their dignity, autonomy, and the right to rebuild their lives. Every year, more than 200 survivors and over 300 of their family members are supported through Atina's programs with safe accommodation, psychological counseling, economic empowerment, educational support, legal status regularization, family mediation, legal support, and other essential needs. Atina has built an approach rooted in equality, dignity, justice, and sustainability, setting new standards for protection and survivor-centered support in Serbia.

The visit also highlighted France's strong international commitment to protecting women and girls from all forms of violence. We discussed the importance of robust legislative frameworks, including recent French legal practices on digital violence, victim protection, and accountability mechanisms, which offer valuable insights for Serbia's ongoing reforms.

This moment is more than a matter of protocol; it is a call for joint action.

A reminder that survivors deserve systems that truly protect them, and that international solidarity is essential in the fight against trafficking and gender-based violence.

Together, we continue to move the boundaries of what protection can and must be.

Justice is not a privilege; it's a right.