Regional co-operation required in combating human trafficking

So said on the European Union's Day Against Trafficking in People, in the case of launching the campaign a month “don't keep silent” from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which will serve as a call for an active citizen who will greatly assist state bodies.

In this case, American Embassy representative in Pristina John Bush estimated that the Government of Kosovo has made progress in preventing human trafficking.

He also gave recommendations for the Government of Kosovo, with crést saying that the latter should set up a stable budget fund for a non-governmental organisation to accommodate trafficking victims, work with local authorities for the protection of victims in northern municipalities, offer professional and inclusive support in training and reintegration for victims, and establish a database of data that is developed about trafficking statistics, where everyone can see the scope of the problem.

On behalf of the Government of Kosovo, incumbent Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's adviser, Hysen Gashi said that in the fight against trafficking of people, all state mechanisms and all citizens must be engaged.

He urged competent bodies to take the most rigorous measures in fighting this phenomenon. While campaign details “do not keep silent” gave the outgoing Minister of Internal Affairs Ekrem Mustafa, who indicated that there will be numerous activities under this campaign as she stressed that different categories and factors have taken into account in its design.

And Kosovo Police Deputy Director Samedin Mehmeti said Kosovo Police have priority in preventing human trafficking.

The social and economic situation, the lack of adequate parenting and child care, the dropout of schooling, the lack of knowledge of the consequences of trafficking, according to Mehmeti are the main factors of trafficking in people.

In order to combat this negative phenomenon, Mehmeti indicated that today all Kosovo mosques will be legalised for the importance of fighting human trafficking.

Basri Kastrati from the State Chief Prosecutor's Office said Kosovo has made progress in fighting human trafficking.

As he said, under all the measures that have been taken, a period of punishment for trafficking cases has also increased, with sentences of 5-9 years.

Even Besnik Ramosaj from the Kosovo Judiciary Council said that compared to last year, in the first 9 months of this year, there has been progress in handling cases.

While Isak Shaban from the Health Ministry said they are aiming for all trafficking victims to offer professional treatment and free services.