Albania The tutor on trial, bought a child for begging for 10 thousands lekes

November 22, 2008

Comment: The article presents the case of a person charged for trafficking of a minor to exploit him for begging in Greece. It tells that the man was denounced by the parents of the child, who had themselves sold the child to him because of their poverty situation, when he was not anymore bringing them money. The trial is ongoing, but the man has escaped the police until now. (The events date back to 2002 and the file was at that time suspended for lack of proves, but the investigations have been started again in January 2008.)

It seems like child trafficking makes more news on the Chronicle section of newspapers and not on that of Social Affairs. Many question marks raise on this case which have not been explored by the author, such as where is the child now? What sort of parenting is promoted in Albania when it can be considered fine to sell your child as long as can bring some income, and denounce the trafficker only when the money stops to come? Instead the author keeps repeating in different words the whereabouts of the process. The article, like similar articles of the author does not take the protection situation of the child and the family into consideration.

This article is a case also of abusive parents, exploitation and trafficking. But it also raises problems such as removal of guardianship of the parents, foster care etc. Is the child still living with his parents? Can these parents be trusted to serve the best interest of the child? Is there any institution which makes sure that the child is safe and protected?