These are the principles and rules for identification and support for victims of trafficking adopted by all participants in the implementation of the NRM.
Unconditional support
All trafficked persons have the right to receive support as of the time they are informally identified as victims of trafficking. Regardless of their consent and readiness to cooperate with the law-enforcement authorities, trafficked persons receive access to accommodation centres, medical, legal, social and psychological support, and to any other measures provided for in the Social Services Act, the Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Act and the NRM.
Safety and security
Trafficking in persons is a crime involving international criminal networks, which implies the presence of potential risk both for the victims and for the service providers who support them. All support measures laid down in the NRM are implemented after a careful risk assessment. The safety and security of the victims and employees is a priority for all participants in the NRM and is accorded particular attention.
Non-discrimination
During the implementation of the measures laid down in the NRM, trafficked persons are treated equally regardless of their race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs and practices, political affiliations, social and cultural background, and without prejudice related to the fact that they were exploited, humiliated, forced to engage in illegal activities, or work in the sex industry.
Protection of the interests of the trafficked person
During the implementation of all activities, the trafficked person’s interests always take precedence over those of the specialists or institutions providing support. All support measures are implemented in a way that does not damage or harm the well-being of the trafficked persons. Measures can be restricted or postponed if there are indications that their implementation will lead to a risk for the safety or health of the victim or to repeated traumatisation.
Involvement of the trafficked persons in all decisions related to them
All adult trafficked persons have the right to decide for themselves what is in their best interest. The support measures included in the NRM stem from the understanding that trafficked persons know best their own urgent needs and life circumstances. These measures envisage support for decision making and agreeing on an action plan, while taking into full account the trafficked person’s choice.
Informed consent
All measures in the NRM are implemented with the trafficked persons’ consent, after they have been informed about their rights, the possible actions in their support, and possible consequences for them and their family. The information is provided in accessible and understandable way.
Objectivity in providing information
The information provided to trafficked persons about their rights and the possibilities for support is objective and accurate. No false expectations are created and no promises made exceeding the mandate of the supporting institutions.
Individual approach
Each trafficked person is treated individually, in view of their interests, needs, and circumstances. An individual action plan is prepared for each trafficked person, combining support measures corresponding to their specific needs, health and emotional state, life experience, and resources for coping.
Emotional support
The emotional state of trafficked persons has a direct influence on their behaviour and their ability to make decisions and plan ahead. Trafficked persons receive emotional support at any time throughout the process of supporting them. It involves an attitude of acceptance, understanding, respect for the person and their dignity, acknowledgment of their experiences, establishment of a sense of resilience
and safety, support for their strengths, respect for their freedom of choice, encouragement for their autonomy, etc.
Non-accusatory attitude
Trafficked persons are not to blame for what they have been through. They did not “provoke” in any way the criminal activities to which they were subjected. Pursuant to Article 26 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and Article 16 of the Bulgarian Criminal Code, penalties are not imposed on victims for their involvement in unlawful activities that they were forced to do during the trafficking process.
Respect for suffering
In case of children, their interests are leading and take precedence over the interests of the specialists and institutions supporting them. Children need to receive adequate information and an opportunity to express their wishes, attitudes, and concerns at every stage of the support process in a way that corresponds to their age and understanding of the situation.
Primacy of the child’s interests and well-being
In the case of children, their interests are leading and take precedence over the interests of the specialists and institutions taking care of them. Children need to receive adequate information and an opportunity to express their wishes, attitudes, and concerns at every stage of the support process in a way that corresponds to their age and understanding of the situation.