OSCE-supported project that opened a shelter for trafficking victims hailed a success

SKOPJE, 14 November 2007 - The establishment of a shelter that has helped 41 human trafficking victims so far was the main achievement of a two-year OSCE-supported project, the conclusion of which was marked by OSCE and other officials in Skopje today.

"Human life is a gift and it should never be for sale," said Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. "This project is part of our work to help the country combat this type of organized crime. We also work with the government and other partners to develop laws to combat abuse and exploitation, improve law enforcement and develop long-term rehabilitation and vocational training programmes."

The project was initiated by the local non-governmental organization Open Gate/La Strada and supported by the authorities. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) financed the project, which was managed by the OSCE Mission.

"The USAID is here to strengthen the economy, reinforce democratic freedoms, and help improve the quality of life," said Patricia Rader, USAID Mission Director. "While it is extremely rewarding to see this project continue on its own, I look forward to the time when shelters for trafficking victims will no longer be needed."

Although this project has ended the shelter continues to operate, supported by other donors, including the OSCE Mission.

Jasmina Rajkovska , President of Open Gate/La Strada, said she was satisfied with results of the project:

"We helped 41 persons to rehabilitate and reintegrate. We provided them with psycho-social support, medical assistance, resources to meet their basic needs, education and accompanied them during legal proceedings."