Lithuania
In Lithuania, victims of human trafficking, who are Lithuanian nationals or foreigners who have a right of residence, have access to unconditional assistance. The assistance is provided irrespective of whether or not the victims co-operate with the law enforcement authorities. The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labor (SCRPAS) coordinates the assistance to child victims.
Presumed victims of human trafficking can receive assistance through the National association against trafficking in human beings, which also maintains a 24/7 hotline for all types of human trafficking cases:
+370 616 91119
Identification
In Lithuania, the path to identifying vicitms of human trafficking has been set in „Recommendations regarding the Identification of Victims of Trafficking, Criminal Investigations and Interagency Co-operation“. No formal identification process is needed for the vicitm to receive assistance. National association against trafficking in human beings is a non-governmental organization that coordinates and provides comprehensive social assistance to victims of human trafficking in Lithuania.
Early and immediate assistance
Presumed victims of human trafficking can receive assistance through the National association against trafficking in human beings, a network of Lithuanian NGOs. NGOs under the National association against trafficking in human beings provide assistance based on individual needs of presumed victims of trafficking. The State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labor (SCRPAS) coordinates the assistance to child victims.
Temporary residence permits
Foreign victims of human trafficking can be entitled to a temporary residence permit. According to the law, a temporary residence permit may be issued or changed to an alien who is or has been a victim of trafficking in human beings or illegal employment, who cooperates with the pre-trial authorities in offences related to human trafficking or as worked in conditions of extreme labour exploitation.
Pre-trial investigation and criminal proceedings
Victims of human trafficking are entitled to various means of assistance and support during the criminal proceedings in Lithuania. The victims have right to for instance receive primary and secondary legal aid. Children receive the right to legal aid from the moment they are recognised as victims by the pre-trial investigation officer or prosecutor. According to the compensation scheme in force in the Republic of Lithuania, a crime victim may apply for compensation during the pre-trial investigation, court proceedings, and after the final judgment of the court.
Long-term assistance and residence permits
Victims of human trafficking can receive long-term assistance during their time in the NGO assistance program. The assistance is organized and coordinated by anti-trafficking NGOs in cooperation with the administration and social service of the municipality.
Voluntary return and reintegration
In Lithuania, third-country victims of human trafficking can return home by utilising the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Vilnius Office. If the third-country national is detained and accommodated in a border Alien Registration Centre, the return is organised in cooperation with the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania.
