Through years of advocacy, ASTRA – Anti trafficking action has consistently highlighted forced begging as a form of human trafficking, a grey reality for many children and adults. These individuals are often victims of exploitation, coerced into begging by traffickers who profit from their suffering. Yet, instead of addressing the root causes of this exploitation, current laws frequently target the victims themselves, treating them as criminals rather than survivors in need of support.
ASTRA’s efforts are part of a broader vision for change. Their work on decriminalizing begging challenges deeply ingrained beliefs and calls for a shift in perspective. Rather than penalizing poverty, the focus must be on addressing the systemic inequalities that preserve it. This is no small task, but ASTRA’s track record shows that progress is possible.
In its policy brief Why Begging Should (Not) Be a Criminal Offense, ASTRA highlights the urgent need to reform Serbia’s approach to begging. The brief presents two key recommendations to address this issue: removing Article 12 of the Public Order and Peace Act or alternatively amending it to focus solely on aggressive and offensive begging. These proposals aim to shift the narrative from penalizing poverty to creating a system that protects the vulnerable and addresses root causes of exploitation.
For detailed insights read the full policy brief HERE