OSCE Mission to Skopje supports training of investigators in working with human trafficking victims

SKOPJE, 3 June 2008 - Enhancing the skills of investigators dealing with cases of human trafficking is the aim of a training course that started in Ohrid today.

Inspectors from the Interior Ministry's Organized Crime Department and Border Police officers will learn to better identify victims' needs and fears, and to apply the proper methods and techniques when dealing with victims.

The seminar was initiated by the Interior Ministry, and is supported by the United State's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program and the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje.

"The training was designed to help investigators prevent human trafficking, protect the victims and prosecute the perpetrators. I am confident that the course will broaden the participants' perceptions of co-operation, and the necessity of reaching competent solutions for specific cases of this type," said Ray Hirons, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission's Police Development Department.

Sande Kitanov, the Head of the Interior Ministry's Human Trafficking Unit, added: "Through this training course, participants will be able to improve their perceptions and learn to make a distinction between human trafficking and illegal migration."

Participants will also discuss the recently adopted standard operational procedures which serve as a guideline for the agencies and bodies that play an important role in the fight against human trafficking and deal with victims of this crime.