Albania "The reality of child trafficking in Albania goes far beyond official statistics"

29 Sep 2008 |

Tirana, Albania – More needs to be done to fight child trafficking in Albania. Only with systematic child protection mechanisms we can prevent child trafficking and protect victims. The Albanian coalition BKTF (“All together against child trafficking”) hold yesterday, October the 2nd, a round table with representatives from the Albanian Government to present its “Situation analysis on child trafficking in Albania – 2007” report.

The document underlines the larges discrepancies in figures between police and civil society and the inefficiency of national authorities in identifying victims and protecting them. BKTF formulates a set of concretes recommendations for the establishment of comprehensive and operational child protection mechanisms capable to prevent child trafficking and other forms of child abuse and protect victims.

The round table was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister, Sali Berisha (photo, left side), the American Ambassador, the Minister Interior and the Minister of Labor, Social affaires and Equal Opportunities, the Anti-trafficking Coordinator and of local and international organizations.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech where he asserted that “the reality of child trafficking in Albania goes far beyond official statistics” and pledged to mobilize all possible means for its fight. “A begging hand is a finger pointed towards the government” said Mr. Berisha. Moreover, he stressed that there is a need to strengthen child protection mechanisms and to open child protection units all over the country. The US Ambassador Withers expressed its utmost support to the fight against child trafficking and especially through the National Strategy.

BKTF called for a State commitment in building child protection mechanisms at local and national level, to prevent protect and integrate child victims crucial to fight and prevent child trafficking. The establishment of such mechanisms can be achieved only a close coordination among state and non-state actors were the State has the leading role.

BKTF is a coalition of 19 local and international organizations which operate in Albania in the fighting child trafficking. BKTF member provide legal, psychological and social assistance to the victims of trafficking and combining with preventive and awareness activities. [VT]

See the news from the official website of the prime minister: “Premier Berisha: Fight against child trafficking is a top priority issue” (in English)

Download the report here