Albania. Factors That Contribute to the Trafficking Infrastructure

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1 Albania Trafficking Routes Albania is a main country of origin, a significant country of transit, and to a lesser extent, a country of destination for trafficking in women and children. According to a recent United Nations (UN) report, Albania is one of the top 10 countries of origin for sex trafficking in the world. 1 Destinations for trafficked Albanian women and children include the countries of Western Europe, such as Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, and other Balkan countries. Albanian children are trafficked primarily to Greece and Italy. In fact, Albania is the main origin country for children trafficked to Greece. 2 Before summer 2002, most victims were trafficked to Italy by speedboat from Albanian ports, mainly the Vlorë harbor. Law enforcement measures and stricter maritime patrolling initiated that summer altered the trafficking routes, and many trafficking victims have been rerouted through Greece. 3 Identified foreign victims of trafficking in Albania have come from Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Almost 90 percent come from Moldova and Romania. 4 Albania serves as a country of transit for Central and Eastern European women trafficked largely through the territory of the former Yugoslavia to Albania and on to Western Europe. 5 Internal trafficking for sexual exploitation has been reported in Albania s main cities and in coastal resorts. 6 Factors That Contribute to the Trafficking Infrastructure Factors that contribute to the trafficking infrastructure in Albania include economic and social hardship associated with the transition from communist rule and the prevalence of organized crime and corruption. The collapse of the communist regime in Albania has led to the disintegration of community life, family structure, and social norms. Emigration has sent large numbers of men and women abroad. 7 In the 1990s, migration became one of the main ways to escape 1 UN Maps Human Trafficking, Associated Press, 14 May Evgenia Markova, Trafficking in Unaccompanied Minors: Greece, in Trafficking in Unaccompanied Minors in the European Union (Paris: International Organization for Migration, 2002). 3 First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), 6 Country Report: Albania, First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p 17.

2 poverty, especially in the rural areas of the country. 8 The drive or need to emigrate makes women and children vulnerable to the false promises of traffickers. Albanian organized criminal groups run the trafficking industry to, through, and from Albania. 9 According to a recent Europol report, Albanian criminal gangs have become particularly active in recent years and have infiltrated the European crime market, dealing mainly in trafficking of drugs and women. 10 For example, Albanian trafficking networks traffic women and children from Albania, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine to Belgium. 11 Of particular concern to the Irish police, known as Gardai, is the growing presence of Russian and Albanian mafias. 12 The sex market in Italy is currently dominated by Albanians, who usually arrange agreements with local Italian criminal organizations for control of territory. 13 Albanians run the largest percentage of illicit begging rings (of Albanian and Eastern European adults and children) and sexual exploitation rings (especially of Albanian and Moldovan women and children). Smaller Albanian groups manage these two sectors, while trafficking in illicit arms is controlled by larger Albanian criminal gangs. 14 Albanian criminal gangs have gained a reputation for being among the world s most ruthless criminals involved in trafficking. 15 Official corruption has been cited as a key factor that allows traffickers to operate with a high level of impunity. 16 At a news conference in 2003, the Albanian interior minister admitted that authorities knew of police and politicians who either were directly involved or maintained links with organized criminal groups involved in smuggling, 8 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), 10 Europol Report on Organised Crime in Europe and the Balkans in 2003, Athens News Agency, 26 December Bruno Moens, Country Report: Belgium, in Research Based on Case Studies of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings in 3 EU Member States, i.e., Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands (Brussels: Commission of European Communities, 2001). 12 Sex Industry Links with Russian Mafia Prompted Lap Dance Raids, Sunday Independent (Ireland), 8 June Vittoria Luda di Cortemiglia, Programme of Action against Trafficking in Minors and Young Women from Nigeria into Italy for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation, Desk Review, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Rome, January 2003, p Vittoria Luda di Cortemiglia, Programme of Action against Trafficking in Minors and Young Women from Nigeria into Italy for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation, Desk Review, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Rome, January 2003, p Joanna Apap and Felicita Medved, Protection Schemes for Victims of Trafficking in Selected EU Member Countries, Candidate and Third Countries (Geneva: International Organization for Migration, 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), See also Sex-Slave Trade Flourishes in the Balkans: Report, Agence France Presse, 15 January 2002.

3 trafficking, or both. 17 The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Albania recently denounced Albanian courts as corrupt and named corruption as one of the major impediments to an effective judicial system. 18 Forms of Trafficking Information collected from practitioners working between January and May 2004 supports two seemingly contradictory hypotheses about the prevalence and trends related to trafficking in persons in the region since The first hypothesis is that trafficking in the west Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro) is declining rapidly. This hypothesis is based on data gathered from antitrafficking projects, especially from the antitrafficking units run by police, border police, and shelters. The second hypothesis is that trafficking is not declining, but that it is simply less visible because of better organization and discretion on the parts of traffickers. Although this second hypothesis is not based on verifiable data, those who support it have considerable experience working on the issue, have a good understanding of the problem, and have access to information not available to the general public. 19 Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania are the primary countries of origin in Southeastern Europe for trafficking in women and girls for sexual exploitation. Albania and Serbia and Montenegro are also destination countries, 20 and growing concern exists that internal trafficking is increasing in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro. 21 Of foreign women in the sex industry in the Balkan countries, an estimated 90 percent are victims of trafficking. 22 The vast majority of victims throughout the region left their homes after accepting false promises of employment abroad. Most wish to work abroad because they are unemployed, underemployed, or employed but making insufficient money to sustain themselves in their home countries. Only in Albania do at least 50 percent of victims leave home under the false impression that they will be married or engaged to an Albanian or foreigner and live abroad. 23 As many as 80 percent 17 Alban Bala, Albania: Football Team Trafficking Scam, Balkan Crisis Report 425, Institute for War and Peace Reporting, London, 25 April OSCE Report Criticized Albanian Courts over Corruption Daily, BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 February Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p. 16. See also p. 38.

4 of victims from rural areas, especially in northern and northeastern Albania, have been lured by such promises. 24 Of Albanian victims, 10 percent are kidnapped or forced into prostitution, unlike in the rest of the region, where such forms of recruitment are very low. 25 In 2001, it was estimated that in the preceding 10 years, 100,000 Albanian women and girls had been trafficked to Western European and other Balkan countries. 26 Victims typically range from 15 to 35 years of age, which is younger than trafficked women of other nationalities. 27 More than 65 percent of identified Albanian sex-trafficking victims were minors at the time they were trafficked, and 40 percent are minors at the time of their identification and assistance. 28 Three main categories of persons are trafficked to, from, or through Albania: (a) Albanian women and girls trafficked abroad for the purpose of sexual exploitation; (b) foreign women and girls trafficked to Albania for sexual exploitation; and (c) Albanian children trafficked for forced labor, including begging, drug dealing, and other street activities. 29 Available data from service providers and police suggest that both trafficking in foreign women through Albania and trafficking in Albanian children are decreasing. 30 Albanian female trafficking victims in Italy are often lured by traffickers pretending to be boyfriends who promise the girls marriage or jobs in Italy. Friends, relatives, and acquaintances also recruit young women. In recent years, the percentage of Albanians in prostitution on Italian streets has decreased, possibly because of a bilateral readmission agreement between the two countries, a higher level of public awareness, a shift to hidden prostitution, or the entry of other foreign women into the Italian sex market. 31 In 2003, more information and more cases of internally trafficked women, some of them minors, came to light than in previous years. A growing internal prostitution 24 First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p. 16. See also p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), 27 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), 28 First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp Vittoria Luda di Cortemiglia, Programme of Action against Trafficking in Minors and Young Women from Nigeria into Italy for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation, Desk Review, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Rome, January 2003, p. 157.

5 market appears to exist, and more local women are working in prostitution, replacing the trend for foreign women to be sexually exploited in Albania in transit to Western Europe. 32 It has been stated that Albania s importance as a transit country has reduced in recent years. 33 On the one hand, a consensus exists that the number of foreign trafficked women in Albania has dropped overall. On the other hand, some signs indicate that Albania might become a destination country or a country of prolonged transit. Local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have noticed more foreign women working in hotels, motels, and bars in the main cities and coastal resorts. 34 Over the past 10 years and more, thousands of Albanian children from 4 years of age upward have been trafficked to Greece, where they are economically or sexually exploited. Until the end of the 1990s, trafficking in children took place with the indifference of the Greek and Albanian governments. Since the early 2000s, under pressure from NGOs and other actors, Albania and Greece have undertaken measures that appear to have led to a considerably reduced flow in this traffic. 35 Such measures include better border control and awareness-raising initiatives for the populations of both countries. 36 An opposing argument put forth is that possibly traffickers have modified their activities; thus, the activities on the street have decreased while more discreet or hidden forms of exploitation are increasing, making identification more difficult. 37 In either case, the problem of child trafficking from Albania to Greece still persists. 38 Economic exploitation of Albanian children is the form most visible and common in Greece. Until 2000, the main activity was begging. Starting in 2000, the trend moved toward the sale of small items, such as icons or telephone cards, and flowers. Girls may be exploited economically until the age of 12 or 13, after which they are sexually exploited. 39 Trafficked children may also be involved in organized theft and drug trafficking, 40 as well as various forms of sexual exploitation, including prostitution and 32 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE Presence in Albania Anti-Trafficking, August 2004, 34 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p 11. See also Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, the UN Administered Province of Kosovo (Belgrade: UNICEF, March 2005), p First Annual Report on Victims of Trafficking in South Eastern Europe (Geneva: Counter-Trafficking Regional Clearing Point, 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p 23.

6 pornography. Evidence exists that infants are being sold for unknown purposes, possibly illegal adoptions. Children may also be trafficked for their organs. 41 Anecdotal evidence exists of trafficking in organs, as reported by children returning from Greece and in Greek newspapers; some NGOs have corroborated this evidence. 42 A recent report stated that a considerable number of Albanian children have disappeared, often with the consent of their families, and investigations have shown that they may have been used for the sale of their organs. 43 Until 2000, child victims of trafficking in Greece from Albania came from a mixture of backgrounds ethnic Albanian, Roma, and Egyptian. In 2002, according to antitrafficking actors in Albania, 95 percent of the families affected by trafficking in children belong to the Egyptian community. The Egyptian community is the most vulnerable population group in Albania and combines all the risk criteria for child trafficking: the people are generally poor and uneducated, living in the peripheral areas of major cities. 44 Exploited minors in the Italian sex industry are usually girls from Albania, Moldova, Nigeria, and Romania. 45 Roma children, as well as other children from Romania and Albania, are forced to beg in Italy. Moroccan and Albanian children are involved in drug dealing. 46 Government Responses Generally, the Criminal Code of Albania criminalizes trafficking of human beings with the purpose of material or any other profit. Punishment is imprisonment for 5 to 15 years. Punishment is enhanced to imprisonment for not less than 15 years if the offense is committed in conspiracy with others, is accompanied by physical or psychological pressure against a victim, or causes serious health consequences to a victim. If the offense causes the death of a victim, punishment is imprisonment for life. 47 In addition, the Criminal Code specifically criminalizes trafficking of women for prostitution 48 and trafficking of children. 49 Trafficking of women for prostitution is 41 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: Current Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, June 2002), 43 Report Details Trafficking in Human Organs Involving Albanian Children, BBC Monitoring International Reports, 22 November Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Vittoria Luda di Cortemiglia, Programme of Action against Trafficking in Minors and Young Women from Nigeria into Italy for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation, Desk Review, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Rome, January 2003, p Annalisa Vicari, Trafficking in Unaccompanied Minors: Italy, in Trafficking in Unaccompanied Minors in the European Union (Paris: International Organization for Migration, 2002). 47 Article 110/a. 48 Article 114/b. 49 Article 128/b.

7 punishable by 7 to 15 years of imprisonment. 50 Trafficking of children is penalized by 10 to 20 years of imprisonment. 51 In both of these specific trafficking crimes, punishment is enhanced to imprisonment for not less than 15 years if the offense is committed in conspiracy with others, is accompanied by physical or psychological pressure against a victim, or causes serious health consequences to a victim. If the offense causes the death of a victim, punishment is imprisonment for life. 52 Prostitution is an offense punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years. 53 The Criminal Code penalizes a number of prostitution-related activities, including use of premises for prostitution, 54 exploitation of prostitution, 55 and exploitation of prostitution with aggravated circumstances. 56 Aggravated circumstances include exploiting the prostitution of minors; taking advantage of official position; using deception, coercion, or violence; taking advantage of the physical or mental disability of a person; exploiting a person who has been forced into prostitution outside of Albania; and committing an act of exploitation jointly with other persons, repeatedly, or by a person holding a public office. 57 In addition, the Criminal Code prohibits kidnapping, 58 unlawful detention, 59 intentional hiding or exchange of a child, 60 falsifying or use of falsified documents, 61 illegally crossing the state border, 62 and assisting in illegal crossing of the state borders. 63 The 1993 Albanian Labor Code prohibits forced labor. The code sets the minimum age of employment at 16 years. 64 The prohibition of forced labor is also stated in the constitution, which explicitly provides that no one may be required to perform forced labor. 65 Albania adopted a new law on money laundering in October 2000 and is in the process of reviewing legislation on the confiscation of assets coming from corruption. Under the Law for Foreigners of May 1999, a foreigner is considered an undesirable person and is refused the request of entrance, visa, or stay permission in the 50 Article 114/b. 51 Article 128/b. 52 Articles 114/b and 128/b. 53 Article Article 115. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine. 55 Article 114. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine. 56 Article 114/a. Punishment ranges from 7 to 15 years of imprisonment. 57 Article 114/a. 58 Article 109. Punishment is imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. 59 Article 110. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine. 60 Article 128/a. Punishment is imprisonment for 3 to 8 years. 61 Article 186. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 3 years and a fine. 62 Article 297. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 2 years and fine. When the crime is done for profit, punishment is imprisonment for up to 10 years. 63 Article 298. Punishment is imprisonment for up to 3 years. When the assistance is given for profit, punishment is imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine. 64 Children of at least 14 may work in part-time jobs during summer vacations. 65 Article 26. According to article 26, the prohibition does not apply in cases of execution of a judicial decision, the performance of military service, or a service that results from any emergency condition or natural disaster that threatens human life and health. See Emin S. Toro, Comment: Of Courts and Rights: Constitutionalism in Post-Communist Albania, North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Registration 25 (2000): 485.

8 Republic of Albania when he or she is engaged in organized crime, in prostitution, or in any other illegal traffic. 66 Before 2001, the Albanian government refused to take any steps to combat trafficking, but the attitude changed in 2001, and a number of serious initiatives were undertaken. 67 In June 2001, an interministerial working group was organized to draft the National Plan of Action (NPA). This working group consisted of representatives from concerned government ministries and national intelligence services. They were assisted by international organizations and NGOs. A national coordinator was appointed a few weeks later. In December 2001, the government adopted the National Strategy against Trafficking in Human Beings, which incorporates the NPA. 68 The deadline for achieving the goals set by the NPA prepared in 2001 was September In October 2003, the Albanian government approved a short-term antitrafficking action plan for 2003/2004, within the existing national antitrafficking strategy. The new NPA for the period September 2003 to September 2004 was approved at the meeting of the Interministerial Antitrafficking Steering Group. The government stipulated that this NPA should be regarded as the main focus for action and coordination on trafficking-related issues for 2003/ One of the requirements of the 2001 NPA was the development of a Strategy for the Fight against Child Trafficking and the Protection of Child Victims of Trafficking. The 2003/2004 NPA mandated that an interministerial working group work with NGOs and international organizations in order to draw up and monitor the implementation of measures to address child trafficking. The strategy also envisages the creation of a National Child Protection Committee that will develop into regional child protection offices in each of the 12 regions of Albania. 70 By the end of 2001, the new Department of Trafficking had been established within the Ministry of Public Order. Antitrafficking units were established in each of the 12 directorates of the police. In addition, the Albanian government has started taking measures to combat illegal migration by strengthening land and sea border controls and airport control. In March 2003, the minister of state to the prime minister, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Justice and the International Criminal Investigative Training 66 Law No for Foreigners, article 4(7). 67 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), pp

9 Assistance Program, established a special task force to combat organized crime, 71 comprising the State Police, Judicial Police, Prosecutor s Office, and National Intelligence Service. 72 In June 2003, a memorandum of understanding was signed for the creation of the Witness Protection Task Force to facilitate the international community s interim temporary assistance to the Albanian Government in the protection of witnesses who have provided evidence against traffickers in human beings. 73 In 2003, the State Social Service, which is part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, opened the National Reception Center for victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors, at-risk minors, and illegal migrants. 74 In 2004, the Prime Minister s Office worked on development of a new action plan, established a working group on children, and worked on the development of a national strategy against child trafficking and a plan of action. 75 Also in 2003, under the Prime Minister s Office, the Three Ports Project was developed for Rinas Airport and the ports of Vlorë and Durres to strengthen monitoring and controlling of borders. The Action Plan for the International Antitrafficking Center in Vlorë was also developed. 76 In 2004, the Department for Migration Issues, within the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, developed the National Strategy for Migration. Repatriation agreements have been signed with Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. 77 Nongovernmental and International Organization Responses 71 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p. 159.

10 Several local NGOs are active in the antitrafficking arena. Vatra, mentioned above, is among the most active. Vatra works in the area of prevention, provides assistance to trafficked persons, and monitors victims after their rehabilitation. 78 The founder of Vatra won the Anti-Slavery Award for Help for Children provides assistance to trafficked persons and collects information on at-risk children. 80 Help for Children and Terre des Hommes have also worked on the legal aspects of trafficking in children, including the consequences of the readmission agreements and the protection of Albanian unaccompanied minors. 81 The Legal Clinic for Minors Center Peace through Justice works on legal issues regarding trafficking in children. Citizens Advocacy Office provides legal assistance and representation to victims of trafficking. 82 The Children s Human Rights Center of Albania runs a Youth Employment Initiative Web site, the only one of its kind in Albania. 83 The Door from Shkodra and Norwegian Aid organized a 10-day bike tour to raise awareness on trafficking in April The tour started in Podgorica, Montenegro, and finished in Durres, Albania. 84 The Association of Albanian Girls and Women (AAGW), was created by and for Albanian victims of trafficking. AAGW s primary aim is to help victims reintegrate into Albanian society. It offers job training and assists with job placement. 85 In 2002, all organizations working on the issue of child trafficking, together with representatives of the government and international organizations, formed an Albanian inter-ngo coalition against trafficking in persons called All Together against Child Trafficking (BKTF for the Albanian, së Bashku Kundër Trafikimit të Fëmijëvë). 86 Member organizations are Center Peace through Justice, Community Centre of Ballsh, Enfants du Monde Droits de l Homme, International Social Services, International Catholic Migration Committee, Ndhimë Për Fëmijët, Save the Children, Terre des 78 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p UNICEF Albania, Albanian Anti-Trafficking Activist Wins International Award, press release, 24 November Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Joanna Apap and Felicita Medved, Protection Schemes for Victims of Trafficking in Selected EU Member Countries, Candidate and Third Countries (Geneva: International Organization for Migration, 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p New Web Page for Youth Employment in Albania, Oneworld.net, 4 May Hundreds of Cyclists Tour Montenegro, Albania, and Italy to Highlight Scourge of Trafficking, Oneworld.net, 6 May The Association of Albanian Girls and Women can be found on the Internet at 86 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p. 46.

11 Hommes, and Vatra Center of Vlorë. 87 BKTF-Albania runs ONACT Operational Network and Advocacy against Child Trafficking to reduce the vulnerability of children in Albania to trafficking by promoting effective services, networks, and research to counter trafficking in children. 88 Terre des Hommes, an international NGO, conducts the TACT (Transnational Action against Child Trafficking) project with support from UNICEF, the Oak Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and the National Albanian American Council. This project aims at combating child trafficking by focusing on prevention, protection, assisted voluntary return, reintegration, and coordination of antitrafficking activities. 89 Terre des Hommes gathered information and released a report on trafficking in children from Albania to Greece in early Save the Children raises awareness on trafficking among high-risk children and their families; supports a shelter in Vlorë managed by a local NGO, Vatra (Women s Hearth), which offers counseling and medical care to trafficking victims; and has supported youth centers in two high-risk areas. 91 International Social Service helps with the return of children and adolescents under the age of 18 from Italy to Albania. 92 Other international NGOs working to combat trafficking in Albania are the International Catholic Migration Committee and Children of the World Albania. 93 The primary international organization active in the region is the OSCE. Specifically, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is at the forefront of international efforts to combat and prevent trafficking in persons. OSCE field missions play a vital role in carrying out antitrafficking efforts in host countries. 94 The Council of Europe and International Organization for Migration (IOM) 87 Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Terre des Hommes, The Trafficking of Albanian Children in Greece (Tirana: Terre des Hommes, January 2003), p Save the Children can be found on the Internet at 92 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), pp Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp

12 are active in the arenas of prevention, assistance, and protection. 95 UN agencies include the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Development Fund for Women, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 96 Other organizations are the International Labor Organization, International Center for Migration Policy Development, and Europol. 97 In February 2002, IOM opened the Reintegration Center for Albanian victims of trafficking. Services provided by the shelter include medical, psychological, and social services; vocational training; and job placement. 98 IOM conducts prevention and awareness-raising activities, assists foreign victims of trafficking in Albania as well as Albanian victims of trafficking, assists in capacity building of local NGOs and law enforcement agencies, 99 participates in education activities in schools, and established the Migration Assistance Center to provide information on legal migration. 100 In addition, IOM s Trafficking Prevention in Albania and Romania project aims to support technical cooperation and awareness-raising activities and to strengthen local capacities to prevent and counter trafficking. 101 ODIHR is the coordinating body for international antitrafficking efforts. 102 In 2004, OSCE conducted the WRATE (Women s Rights and Antitrafficking Education) program to raise awareness and sensitize Albanian men and women to the human rights of women, defining trafficking as an abuse. OSCE monitors court cases related to 95 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), pp Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention UNICEF, March 2005), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, the UN Administered Province of Kosovo (Belgrade: UNICEF, March 2005), p Trafficking Prevention in Albanian and Romania (TPAR), 14 June 2004, Joanna Apap and Felicita Medved, Protection Schemes for Victims of Trafficking in Selected EU Member Countries, Candidate and Third Countries (Geneva: International Organization for Migration, 2003), p. 30.

13 trafficking and other crimes and assists the Albanian government in implementing of its national antitrafficking strategy. 103 Multilateral Initiatives The Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe was adopted in June 1999 at the initiative of the European Union (EU). It includes the EU member states; countries in the region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro); Canada, Japan, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States; financial institutions; and several international organizations, such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and several UN agencies. 104 The Stability Pact addresses the problem of trafficking in persons through the Stability Pact Task Force on Human Trafficking (SPTF). SPTF was established in September 2000 and is dedicated to promoting collaboration and integration of antitrafficking activities in [countries in Southeastern Europe] to improve their long-term effectiveness and sustainability in the fight against human trafficking. 105 SPTF focuses on seven areas: awareness raising, training and exchange programs, law enforcement cooperation, victims protection programs, return and reintegration assistance, legislative reform, and prevention. 106 In December 2000, at the first SPTF Regional Ministerial Meeting in Palermo, Italy, all countries of the region signed the Palermo Antitrafficking Declaration of Southeastern Europe, thereby committing themselves to implement effective programs for prevention, victims assistance and protection, law enforcement, legislative reform, and prosecution of traffickers. 107 Among its activities, SPTF achieved the adoption of the Multi-Year Antitrafficking Action Plan for Southeastern Europe; 103 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe 2004: Focus on Prevention in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, the UN Administered Province of Kosovo (Belgrade: UNICEF, March 2005), p Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe, About the Stability Pact, February 2005, See also Stop Violence against Women, Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe: Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings, 21 April 2004, Task_Force_on_Trafficking_in_Huma n_beings.html, and Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation and Responses to Trafficking in Human Beings in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Montenegro, including the UN Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe, The Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings, December 2004, Stop Violence against Women, Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe: Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings, 21 April 2004, Task_Force_on_Trafficking_in_Huma n_beings.html. 107 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p. 10.

14 provided the countries of the region with guidelines for developing national plans of action; and, in June 2002, initiated a Countertrafficking Regional Clearing Point, managed by IOM with assistance from the International Catholic Migration Commission and located in Belgrade, to promote improved victim assistance and protection programs. 108 The Southeast European Cooperation Initiative (SECI) Center is the regional center for combating organized crime. The SECI Illegal Human Beings Trafficking Task Force was established in May In September 2002, the SECI Center organized a regional antitrafficking and antismuggling action known as Operation Mirage. SECI members include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey, and Ukraine. The main goals of the operation were to identify trafficking victims and ensure their repatriation, to identify smuggled people, and to identify involved criminal groups and conduct a joint investigation against those groups. The operation raided or checked 20,558 establishments, interviewed 13,000 women and children, identified 237 trafficking victims (14 percent of suspected victims), and assisted 63 victims (4 percent of suspected victims) through IOM and NGOs. 110 For Operation Mirage 2003, law enforcement authorities identified 696 trafficking victims; detected 831 suspected traffickers; checked 20,629 places such as border crossings, bars, and nightclubs; and ran identity checks on 11,170 people. They began criminal procedures against 499 suspects and arrested 194 of them. 111 Operation Mirage 2004 took place in June; 601 people were identified as trafficking victims, 545 people were identified as traffickers, and 302 people were charged with trafficking. 112 In 2002, an international task force was established within the SECI Center to deal with trafficking in persons. It is composed of specialized officers from SECI member states. 113 In October 2002, police from 15 European countries participated in an operation spearheaded by Italy and coordinated by Europol to dismantle an international trafficking network. Code-named Operation Girasole (Sunflower), the bust led to approximately 80 arrests. The network operated through travel companies based in Ukraine and obtained 108 Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p Barbara Limanowska, Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe: 2003 Update on Situation Administered Province of Kosovo and Romania (Belgrade: UNICEF, November 2003), p David Binder, 12 Nations in Southeast Europe Pursue Traffickers in Sex Trade, New York Times, 19 October Albanian Police Announce Success in Anti-Trafficking Operation, Dita, 12 July See also Greek Ministry of Public Order, International Cooperation, June 2005, Fighting against Trafficking in Human Beings in Romania, PC.DEL/643/02, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Council of Europe and Human Rights Department, Bucharest, 2 September 2002.

15 fake visas for women to enter the European Union (EU), with assistance from travel agencies and hotels based in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The other countries that took part in the investigation were Albania, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and Switzerland. 114 Albania has signed an agreement with Italy to increase cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration. Under this agreement, Italian police will offer assistance to Albanian authorities in their efforts to combat all forms of organized crime. In recent years, Albania has intensified its cooperation with Italy. 115 As a recent example of such successful cooperation, in April 2003, in a joint operation conducted by the police forces of Albania and Italy, 16 people were arrested and accused of trafficking some 60 children. Among those arrested were a high-ranking official of the Albanian secret police and two Italian lawyers. In another operation, two coaches and two chairmen of a football club were arrested in Durres, Albania, on suspicion of trying to take 20 teenagers to Italy, who were said to be the members of their team. 116 In June 2004, Macedonia and Albania signed an agreement on cooperation for prevention of crime in the areas of organized and transborder crime, including human trafficking. 117 Representatives of the border police of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro announced in January 2005 that they would be setting up operation teams to fight trafficking in persons and illegal immigration. 118 In May 2005, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Convention goes beyond the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and enhances the capacity of member states to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and protect the human rights of victims of trafficking. The 46 member states of the Council of Europe represent countries of origin, transit, and destination for victims of trafficking Justice and Home Affairs: Europol Busts Sex-Traffickers Network, European Report, 5 October Claudine Renaud, Italian-Albanian Immigration Accord Could Be Model for Europe, Agence France Presse, 25 June Albania, a Hot Spot for Children Trafficking, Agence France Presse, 20 April Macedonia, Albania Sign Crime Prevention Agreement, BBC Monitoring International Reports, 17 June Montenegrin, Bosnian, and Albanian Border Police Expand Cooperation, BBC Monitoring International Reports, 29 January Council of Europe, Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and its Explanatory Report, Warsaw, 16 May 2005,