KAS: Kosovo government has met standards for elimination of human trafficking

Although the report recognises some results, as is the revision of the Kosovo Criminal Code in which all forced acts of prostitution as trafficking, as well as the appointment of a regional prosecutorial co-ordinator, are highlighted that, however, the Government did not meet minimum standards in some key areas.

“was sentenced to fewer traffickers and fewer victims identified. Judges continued to declare low sentences for convicted traffickers”, the State Department report said.

The report cites the fact that the Government of Kosovo cut funding for NGO housing for the fourth consecutive year, forcing NGOs to rely on foreign donors.

In recommendations made in the report concerning Kosovo, it is stressed that authorities must investigate, prosecute and condemn traffickers, as well as declare high sentences, then provide funds for NGO shelters.

The US State Department stresses that Kosovo institutions should appoint prosecutors and judges trained for cases of trafficking.

Another issue highlighted as recommendation is the reduction of cases in courts, including cases of human trafficking.

Must standardize data collection and create a database for statistics and then trafficking in criminal prosecutions and punishments related to trafficking”, the report said.

The findings of the report at the world level were presented by US Secretary of State Mike Pomepo, accompanied by Ivanka Trump, an adviser to US President Donald Trump.

Secretary Pompeii stressed that human trafficking is not natural disaster but is caused by humans.

The focus of this report, according to Pompeii, is for countries to fight trafficking with people within their borders.

There is a misunderstanding about trafficking, because it is said to be always cross-border. That's not the point. Each country must fight this phenomenon within the borders of the country”, Pompeo said, stressing that this is a local and global problem.