LSI is a network of nine independent human rights NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) in Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Macedonia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine. It aims to prevent trafficking in human beings, with a focus on women in Central and Eastern Europe. The primary goal is to improve the position of women and to promote their universal rights, including the right to choose to emigrate and work abroad and to be protected from violence and abuse.
La Strada started in 1995 as a trilateral anti-trafficking project and has grown into a network operating in nine countries. The La Strada members share the same objectives, the same philosophy on trafficking and work according to the same basic programme. The exact services that are offered, however, can vary, depending on the local situation.
In the first 10 years of its existence, the La Strada project was coordinated by the Dutch
Foundation against Trafficking in Women (Stichting tegen Vrouwenhandel).
In 2004, La Strada International was established as an association comprising nine independent members.
The international secretariat of the nine La Strada members is based in Amsterdam and focuses on international networking, lobbying and public relations on behalf of the member organisations, producing common policies and action plans and harmonised lobby and advocacy programmes.
La Strada International works on the expansion of its relations with national and international organisations, national governments, European institutions and UN bodies. The secretariat supports capacity building of the members and provides a forum for NGOs on the issue of trafficking. It also houses an international archive and documentation centre and manages the international La Strada website.
