OSCE Mission in Kosovo launches campaign against human trafficking

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 25 November 2008 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched a campaign against human trafficking today, and called on the public to report any relevant information using an anti-trafficking helpline. 

"Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and a gross violation of human rights worldwide," said Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission.

"Unfortunately, human trafficking occurs in Kosovo too, and in recent years there has been an increase in the number of internally trafficked women, most of them minors."

The campaign will run for two weeks, from 25 November, the Day against Violence against Women, and 10 December, Human Rights Day. It will include TV and outdoor advertising targeting young people, especially women. The campaign will end with a concert, featuring a number of Kosovo pop and rock musicians, under the slogan: "Rock to break the silence! Report human trafficking!"

Kosovo is considered a place of origin, transit and destination for women and children trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labour.

"People are still reluctant to talk about trafficking, even when it affects their own families. Problems with victim reintegration testify to that," said Ambassador Almhofer.

"The campaign and the concert were designed to promote the anti-trafficking helpline and motivate people to use it. We also believe this is a very concrete way to mark the 60th anniversary of the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' and raise awareness about human trafficking."