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UNICEF: Human trafficking in Albania, higher than the official figures
2024-01-23 20:31:07 / AKTUALITET
In Albania last year, 110 possible victims of trafficking and 2 official victims of human trafficking were registered, most of whom are children.
But representatives of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, claimed today that the numbers on the ground are much higher, so the authorities and activists must work harder to prevent this phenomenon. The new representative of UNICEF in Albania, Murat Shahin, says for the Voice of America that the statistics are far from reality, so it remains a challenge for all actors to economically empower the most vulnerable families, to build their lives and that of their children in Albania.
The United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF in cooperation with state authorities and other non-governmental partners are implementing in Albania a program to prevent the illegal trafficking of Albanian citizens to Western countries and other countries. This program contains dialogue on illegal trafficking with young people and communities of residents exposed to this risk, as well as cooperation with the authorities to prevent trafficking.
While the most important part remains the empowerment and economic support of young people and families, to work and live in Albania, Murat Shahin, the new representative of UNICEF in Albania, tells VOA.
"Official figures are very low regarding cases of trafficking, which are not reported, based on international practice. If we look at the numbers, during 2023 the government and non-governmental organizations identified 110 potential victims of trafficking, and two official victims of trafficking where 2/3 of them are children and the rest are women. But, based on world experience, they should be more than that in reality, so you have to talk to people on the ground. It is very important to strengthen the system to treat these cases, as well as unverified cases, to prevent them, as well as to help these families together with their children", says Mr. Shahin for the Voice of America.
Albanian officials emphasize that children are equally at risk from traffickers through online networks, and online violence against minors has also appeared, which is transmitted in real life. But these problems need legal intervention and direct activities on the ground, said the deputy minister of internal affairs, Romina Kuko, at the launch of the new communication campaign against human trafficking, a collaboration between UNICEF and the Albanian government.
"We are looking at the possibility of a legal regulation to criminalize online violence, because there is a legal vacuum in this area. "Human trafficking is the bottom line of risks and consequences for children and families, but in many cases it all starts with online communications," said Mrs. Kuko.
On the other hand, the representative of UNICEF, Shahin says that it is necessary for children, young people and families to fulfill their rights, empowering their education, supporting their potential here, in order to fulfill their lives in Albania.
Mr. Shahin has worked for several years in UNICEF Kosovo, and adds that he has found many similarities between Albania and Kosovo in terms of the dangers that young people face, both with education, with the need for their voice to be heard, and the opportunities that should be given to develop their skills.
"Before, I worked in Kosovo and there a part of young people thought about emigration. I think it's a matter of the quality of education, so the school system should be strengthened, as well as giving opportunities to young people to fulfill their potential and to be able to stay in their country, to be employed there. We need to create opportunities to increase the quality of education, and this is seen as a priority that the government and the international community should have there, as well as UNICEF," said Mr. Shahin.
A large part of Albanian children and young people face daily risks of bullying, violence, trafficking, drug abuse and unemployment, which push them to leave for European countries, leaving behind their country with many problems from the transition .
Therefore, according to experts, it remains a challenge for Albanian and international institutions to empower and support them economically to work and live in Albania.
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