Trafficking in Human Beings in Southeastern Europe - Iom

Trafficking in Human Beingsin Southeastern EuropeVictim Referraland AssistanceSystem andGaps Thereinplaced in a shelter for victims of trafficking or domestic violence with adults,then staff should be trained and special services should be provided. Before atrafficked child can be repatriated, the safety of the child in their home countrymust be assessed. “Best interest of the child” should guide the decision of thechild’s legal guardian in the host country based on the assessment of the familysituation or suitability of child care agencies in the country of origin.3.3. ReintegrationAt the moment, a more developed reintegration programme exists only inMoldova where IOM and La Strada have established a reintegration programmeand a shelter for the victims, managed directly by IOM, which is ableto answer most of their needs.Also in Moldova, there are some initiatives in the field of economic empowermentand support for the victims:• La Strada was able to start co-operation with the Ministry of Labourand with private entrepreneurs, to secure jobs for returning women;• Social Solidarity – an Italian NGO gives micro-credits, allowingwomen to start their own businesses;• ILO is organising a programme to strengthen the position of womenon labour market and to provide the victims of trafficking with workopportunities.In Bulgaria, La Strada runs a programme for the victims of trafficking that sufferfrom the post-traumatic stress disorder, involving long-term individualtherapy and psychological support.In relation to children, reintegration needs and possibilities must be assessedbefore the child is returned home and should be part of the criteria upon whichit is decided whether it is in the best interest of the child to return. Emphasisshould be placed upon family or community-based placement in foster familiesrather than institutionalisation. However, before putting a child back intothe same situation, the family and community situation must be carefullyinvestigated and assessed, in particular with respect to the issues of sexualand other abuse.3.4. Prosecution• In Albania, the Prime Minister’s Office has issued a letter with instructionto judges to prosecute traffickers according to the existing regulations;• In Albania, OSCE monitors all prosecutions of traffickers;• In Kosovo, a witness protection law is being prepared and lawyers torepresent trafficked women are being trained;• In FYR Macedonia, the Public Prosecutor has issued a letter to theMinistry of the Interior voicing concern and requesting an explanationfor the lack of successful cases of prosecution of traffickers;• In FRY Serbia, in the framework of the Stability Pact there was aninternational conference organised for the Ministries of Justice and forparliamentarians from the Balkan countries to exchange informationabout trafficking legislation;• Regionally, the SECI Centre has organised several meetings andtraining for law enforcement agencies to inform them about the issueand to start co-operation.150