La Strada International Association
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
La Strada Program is an international network working on the prevention of trafficking in women from Central and Eastern Europe.
La Strada Program (since October 2004 registered in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce as "La Strada International Association") was established in 1995 as a trilateral partnership between three countries - Poland, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. Gradually the program expanded its scope and sphere of activities to a total of nine European countries - The Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Moldova. In each country the program is implemented by an independent human rights NGO, albeit working within La Strada philosophy.
The mission of La Strada is to make the issue of trafficking in women visible and to influence authorities, the media and the public opinion to address this violation of human rights; to educate about the possible dangers of trafficking and to refer victims to support networks. To achieve its mission La Strada develops activities in three interrelated areas: Information & Lobbying; Prevention & Education; and Social Assistance to victims of trafficking.
La Strada program is based on a Human Rights approach. Female migrants, domestic workers and sex trade workers must have their rights protected. States are accountable for violations of human rights, including forced labour and practices akin to slavery.
La Strada program has been funded by various national and international donors, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Ministry of Justice and the Dutch donors NOVIB, ICCO, Kerk in Aktie, Foundation DOEN, King Baudouin Foundation (Belgium). Several other national and international organisations fund the La Strada offices at a local level, including Embassies, Mama Cash, Pro Victimis, IREX, OSCE.
In 2004 La Strada received the MTV Europe "Free your mind" award.
La Strada is a member organization of the NGO Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women.
