The Ministry of Internal Affairs marked today, October 18, the EU Anti-Trafficking Day in Human Beings, where this year the focus will be on awareness, identification and treatment of street children, beggars and children who drop out of school. This activity was opened by the National Coordinator Against Human Trafficking, Deputy Minister of MIA, Mr. Blerim Gashani.

At the beginning of his speech, Deputy Minister Gashani emphasized that human trafficking is one of the most serious violations of human rights and freedoms. Traffickers turn the human being into a commodity, otherwise trafficking is also known as the slavery of the XXI century. And, from this phenomenon, our country Kosovo has not escaped without being affected, considering the transition it has gone through.

"Therefore, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have shown commitment to protect the most basic values of human rights and have taken the necessary measures in compliance with international conventions and directives", emphasized Gashani.

Deputy Minister Gashani pointed out that at the level of inter-institutional coordination, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, through the National Coordinator, coordinates activities in implementation of the national strategy against human trafficking 2022-2026. Likewise, several legal initiatives have been drawn up, for which the Progress Report states: "The legislation on human trafficking is in full compliance with the relevant Acquis Communitaire of the European Union".

"For the successful fight against human trafficking, close inter-institutional cooperation is required, including non-governmental organizations and other international organizations or institutions, which in one form or another are contributing to the prevention and protection of victims, and which are also part of the National Authority. Therefore, allow me to express my gratitude for their contribution as Coordinator", emphasized Gashani.

At the end of his speech, Deputy Minister Gashani emphasized that today is October 18, which is the European Day against Human Trafficking and we are launching the awareness campaign against this phenomenon, but this does not mean that the activities and work of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are starting today and will close in a month. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have continuously carried out, are carrying out and will continue even more strongly to carry out activities and take measures to eradicate this phenomenon.

"The fight against human trafficking, especially the exploitation of children, requires a joint effort from all sectors of society. By strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, we can protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that justice is served".

Under the slogan "Don't be SILENT", all partner institutions and organizations within the National Authority Against Human Trafficking will carry out many activities, with the aim of raising awareness and preventing this phenomenon, but also protecting and rehabilitating victims, with an emphasis on especially for children in street situations, those begging and children who have dropped out of school.