Trafficking in Human Beings in Southeastern Europe - Iom

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Trafficking in Human Beingsin Southeastern EuropeCroatiathe tip of the iceberg. A second group of interviewed police officers pointedout three obstacles to efficient policing: lack of funds and training, corruptionwithin the force and the absence of a clear and decisive plan of action. 1372. Current ResponsesIt has to be stressed that, in contrast to other countries in the region, there isno evidence that trafficking in women is a problem in Croatia. To date, therehave been only a few victims identified and supported, but neither have anyefforts have been made to expose any evidence of organised trafficking thatmight exist.2.1. National Plan of Action and coordinationIn November 2000, OSCE organised a Round Table on Trafficking attended byMembers of Parliament, representatives of the ministries of Justice, ForeignAffairs and the Interior, international agencies, NGOs and a representative ofthe Stability Pact Task Force on Trafficking. During the meeting four workinggroups were established: prevention, return and assistance, legislation andlaw enforcement.At the beginning of 2001, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised an InterministerialMeeting on Trafficking and the Ministry of the Interior wasappointed to co-ordinate anti-trafficking activities in Croatia. In July 2001, aNational Co-ordinator was appointed, although the Government did not officiallyconfirm the appointment.The trafficking working group from the Ministry of the Interior is developing aNPA in consultation with NGOs and international organisations. A first draftwas finalised at the end of 2001, but without the input from NGOs.2.2. Roles of government, international organisations andNGOsThe government does not see trafficking as a problem due to a lack of anyevidence and no victims of trafficking to deal with.The position of the international agencies varies. Some see trafficking as aserious but hidden problem, which has to be exposed and combated; somestate that trafficking in Croatia is presently a marginal issue but could becomea more serious problem because of the economic situation and the deteriorationof the position of women on the labour market. Both groups agree thatthe country needs a plan to combat trafficking and a structured approach tothe issue.Most of the local NGOs see trafficking as a very marginal problem imposed bythe international organisations, which introduce their own agenda withouttaking into account the local situation. These NGOs also point out thatwomen’s organisations do not have enough resources to work on existing andpressing issues such as violence against women and the economic situation ofwomen and yet are expected by the international community to start work ontrafficking. However some organisations are willing to include anti-traffickingwork in their present activities and co-operate with international organisationson anti-trafficking projects.120137. IOM, “Sex Trafficking in Croatia. An Assessment Study” Zagreb, September 2001. p. 49.
Trafficking in Human Beingsin Southeastern Europe2.3. Prevention and raising awarenessCroatiaIn the areas of prevention and raising awareness, the government has takenno action. However, government representatives take part in the anti-traffickinginitiatives organised by international agencies, especially IOM and ICMC.The issue of trafficking is also included into NPA of the Government Commissionfor Gender Equality.IOM conducted a research study “Sex Trafficking in Croatia”, which was publishedin November 2001. The study was based on media analyses, a reviewof the current legal framework, a public opinion survey and in-depth interviewswith those involved in trafficking, including traffickers, traffickedwomen, police officers, owners of the establishments, NGOs and governmentrepresentatives. Due to a lack of co-operation by the police and only a fewinterviews with persons directly involved in trafficking, the results of the studyare not conclusive and do not give a clear assessment of the scope of theproblem. Nevertheless the findings were used as a basis for IOM recommendationsfor actions to combat trafficking that should be incorporated into theNPA. These include:• Special training for the police;• Regional co-ordination and sharing of information;• Establishment of a counter-trafficking unit within the police;• Legal reform and training for judges;• Establishment of a shelter for trafficked women;• Raising of awareness in the media;• Establishment of a network of organisations to combating trafficking;• Inclusion and support for NGOs working on the issue of trafficking.In October 2001, IOM in co-operation with the University of London organised“Training for Trainers” for government officials and NGOs working on the issueof trafficking.IOM is also planning a prevention campaign aimed at policy makers, in collaborationwith other organisations, SADA SOS hotline and Centre for WomenWar Victims that will include a media campaign, a hotline on trafficking, trainingand education.UNICEF is supporting an HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Croatia, whichincludes sex workers as one of the high risk groups.ICMC, in co-operation with IOM and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare,has organised a Regional Counter-Trafficking Conference. The conference “Initiativesin the Republic of Croatia for the Development of the Programme ofAction against Trafficking in Women and Children” was held in StubickieToplice in May 2001. The goal of the conference was to sensitise both publicand participants, to exchange experiences within the region, to educate membersof the four established working groups and to work on anti-traffickingaction plan. Recommendations for the National Plan of Action were handed tothe Inter-ministerial Working Group.NGOs have not taken any action to date. However, some (ICMC, Centre forWomen War Victims) are planning prevention campaigns on trafficking.2.4. Victim assistanceUntil now, there has been no need in Croatia for direct assistance to the victimsof trafficking and currently there is no victim assistance programme.121
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Trafficking in Human Beings in Southeastern Europe - Iom

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