OSCE Mission calls for referral mechanism for trafficking victims in Kosovo

PRISTINA, 31 October 2007 - The number of local victims of human trafficking is growing, and improved mechanisms are needed to help identify and assist these people, said the OSCE Mission in an assessment presented today.

The report examines the strengths and weaknesses of the anti-trafficking identification and referral mechanisms in Kosovo since the establishment of the United Nations Administration (UNMIK) and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Governance (PISG). The report further reviews the role of the criminal justice system in addressing both victims and perpetrators of trafficking, and recommends longer-term social inclusion programmes for survivors of trafficking.

"Identifying gaps in the current anti-trafficking response in Kosovo will place particular emphasis on improvement of mechanisms and will enable institutions in charge to combat this horrendous crime more vigorously," said Markku Laamanen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission, at an event presenting the report today, the final day of anti-trafficking awareness month in Kosovo.

Shortcomings identified in the report include:

• The absence of an independent body to ensure analysis of data of current trafficking trends;
• The need to expand current anti-trafficking efforts by including local and central public authorities in creating an effective Kosovo Referral Mechanism for identification and assistance to trafficking victims; 
• A lack of compensation services offered to victims, and the absence of a full-time Victim Assistance Co-ordinator.

The assessment offers specific recommendations in the area of identification and referral, prosecution, protection and social inclusion, as well as calls for the creation of an improved Kosovo Referral Mechanism at operational and strategic levels to successfully combat trafficking in human beings.

"The OSCE believes that the Kosovo authorities still have to make considerable efforts to develop effective strategies and operational policies to eradicate the crime of trafficking in Kosovo, and to offer justice and compensation to the victims of this gross violation of human rights," said Laamanen.

The OSCE Mission is engaged in fighting this human rights violation and will continue to offer its co-operation and assistance to the PISG to implement these proposals.