Project VISARoC

Victims with Irregular migration Status’ Safe Reporting of Crimes

Web page: safereporting.eu

The VISARoC project is an innovative initiative designed to address the issue of access to justice for victims with irregular migration status within the European Union. This vulnerable group often faces significant barriers to seeking protection legal protection, mainly due to the fear of deportation and the lack of safe ways to report crimes. As a result, these individuals are often victimised without recourse, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and marginalisation.

VISARoC seeks to break this cycle by developing and implementing pioneering strategies to enable undocumented migrants to safely report crimes. The project focuses on creating a supportive environment where their rights are recognised and protected. By working with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, VISARoC strives to build trust between migrant communities and the justice system, ensuring that victims get the help they need without fear of repercussions.

This project is particularly relevant in today’s context, where migration flows and the associated legal and social challenges are a major concern across Europe. VISARoC not only addresses an urgent need, but also contributes to the wider goals of social justice and human rights, making it a crucial project in the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and just society.

Our role in the project

Quality assurance & evaluation

Project objectives

1

Improve the understanding of what constitutes safe reporting of crime for undocumented victims, taking into account the specific requirements of a gender perspective, and what kind of cooperation is needed to grant safe reporting options.

2

Increase the knowledge of EU and national tools, measures, and international obligations related to the rights of undocumented victims.

3

Through the project’s focus on a local approach, improve the conditions for safe reporting of crime at the local level in Barcelona, Milan, Utrecht and Ghent.

4

Strengthen and improve cooperation between local authorities and professionals, as well as between the local level and other relevant governmental tiers, to support effective and safe reporting mechanisms.

Main results

Raising awareness

Disseminating of the legal possibilities and limitations of safe reporting of crime by undocumented migrants and local practices.

Safe reporting mechanisms

Implementing strategies to facilitate reporting of crime by undocumented victims in four important EU cities.

Partnership development

Establishing local and national partnerships to support the rights of victims with irregular migration status.

Training sessions

Organising training sessions for professionals to better address the needs of these victims.

Best practice toolkit

Developing a practical guide for professionals assisting victims with irregular migration status, detailing their rights and safe reporting options through clear and actionable examples.

Expected impact

VISARoC is expected to have a significant impact on the social and legal inclusion of victims with irregular migration status across Europe. By facilitating safer ways to report crimes, the project will reduce the vulnerability of these individuals and improve their access to justice. The project’s collaborative approach will also foster stronger partnerships between governmental and non-governmental actors, leading to more effective and humane practices in handling cases involving undocumented migrants. Expected outcomes include improved social cohesion, better protection of human rights, and increased trust in local authorities and justice systems, making a positive contribution to both the community and the wider European context.