REGION EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Interact’s work in Europe and the Middle East is reflected in the region’s great diversity. Together with our partner organisations, we strive to reach long-term, sustainable change for people, which is why we work with both direct support as well as advocacy within entire communities. The work is divided into three focal areas: Anti Human Trafficking, Child Protective Services, and Sustainable Livelihood.
Interact has programmes and projects together with around 20 partners in 12 countries in the region that is comprised of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Regional context
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa is a complex and diverse region. Human trafficking is a big problem in some parts of the region, and many people are sexually exploited. Refugees have become a targeted group over the past few years, and in the Middle East, at least 50% of refugee children and youth are caught up in trafficking. Many Middle Eastern children also live in poverty, which is widespread in several parts of the region due to unemployment and unstable working conditions.
On a global scale, however, many positive developments are occurring, especially concerning children’s health and access to education. However, life is very difficult for children and youth with disabilities within the entire region as they struggle to live a dignified life.
What we do about it
Interact seeks to meet the aforementioned challenges alongside our partner organisations. In order to combat human trafficking, we work to both help people out of prostitution as well as to prevent it from happening by drawing attention to the problem so that change can occur on all levels of society.
We help provide children with quality education so that they are better equipped to deal with challenges, which leads to concrete changes within the entire community. We also work as advocates with specific focus on improving the quality of life for children with disabilities.
Together with our partner organisations, we also address the problem of widespread poverty. We work to equip people to get out of destitution by providing, among other things, occupational training and the possibility to obtain microloans.
Media sources such as film and satellite television have proven to be effective tools to connect with the masses in the Middle East and North Africa. Interact is, therefore, involved in media campaigns in several of our focus areas, especially Anti Human Trafficking and Child Protective Services.
Contact Region Europe,
Middle East and North Africa
