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Shkodër, demonstration against human trafficking

2024-10-18 20:37:00, Aktualitet CNA

Today, on the European Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings, the manifestation "From Awareness to Actions, join the fight against trafficking" was held in the city of Shkodra. Trafficking of persons, through criminal groups, mainly of women and girls, is a phenomenon that still continues in Albania, while the number of cases investigated and dealt with by the justice bodies is still low.

The demonstration dedicated to the European Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings united today in Shkodra groups of young people, representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, state institutions and a number of civil society organizations.

Despite the efforts of more than 30 years, the phenomenon of trafficking, especially of women and girls, through criminal groups continues to be a disturbing phenomenon in Albania.

Therefore, said Minister of the Interior Ervin Hoxha, today's demonstration in Shkodër took place with the motto "From awareness to action, join the fight against trafficking".

"We are aware that our efforts to combat human trafficking must be done in an interdisciplinary manner, including state and non-state structures, independent national and international civil society institutions," he said.

Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha said that the "National Action Plan for the fight against human trafficking 2024-2025", approved by the government in July, expresses the commitment to minimize human trafficking.

Speaking at the demonstration against human trafficking, Amelia Hintzen from the American Embassy in Tirana, said that the fight against human trafficking is one of the highest priorities of the American government, which supports Albania in this fight.

"The crime of human trafficking and the impunity that is often associated with it must be fought," continued Ms. Hintzen. The American government appreciates the achievements so far in the anti-trafficking war, but emphasized that much work remains to be done as the annual US report on human trafficking recommends increasing the number of criminal investigations, punishment of traffickers and protection of victims of trafficking," she said.

According to UNICEF in Albania, during the last year 110 possible victims of trafficking and 2 victims of trafficking were registered, most of whom are children.

The representative of the "URA" coalition, a coalition of civil society organizations united in anti-trafficking efforts, Enkeleida Kallçiu, says that criminal groups continue to benefit from this phenomenon.

"Unfortunately, cases of trafficking continue. The awareness campaign is necessary because this is a criminal phenomenon and there are criminal groups that act to advance as a phenomenon and to take advantage of people who are weaker, in need or more vulnerable. And it is very important that we give some messages about where help can be found and what trafficking is. Because not everyone has a correct understanding of trafficking".

The phenomenon is often hidden, says the representative of the "URA" coalition, so the involvement of all state and community structures is required to detect cases of trafficking and support victims.

In Albania, there are 4 shelters for women and girls victims of trafficking, where they receive the necessary services for their reintegration. As part of the anti-trafficking campaign, the free national line 116 006 for reporting cases of trafficking was reactivated today./ VOA