OSCE Mission to Skopje supports report on human trafficking trials

SKOPJE, 23 December 2008 - A report, supported by the OSCE Spillover Mission to Skopje, with findings and recommendations based on monitoring of trials related to human trafficking for the period of 2005-2008 was presented today in Skopje.

The report addresses such challenges as victims rights, application of special investigative measures and use of property confiscation to compensate victims.

"Unless offenders are prosecuted effectively and victims are ensured meaningful access to justice, both prevention and protection efforts are seriously undermined," said Jovdat Mammadov, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission's Rule of Law Department.

The project was implemented by the local non-governmental coalition, All for Fair Trial, and supported by the OSCE Spillover Mission to Skopje.

"The report includes recommendations which will help state authorities, judiciary, NGO activists and all other relevant actors to continue their efforts and enhance the prosecution of human trafficking in the country," said Anica Tomshic Stojkovska, Executive Director of All for Fair trial.