The Council of Europe’s expert body on trafficking in human beings, GRETA, has published today a report evaluating the anti-trafficking legislation, policy and practice of Kosovo*.

The evaluation was covered by the extra-budgetary project “Reinforcing the fight against trafficking in human beings in Kosovo* through the application of GRETA methodology and tools”.  The project is aimed at better alignment of Kosovo* legislation and policies with the standards of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

GRETA’s first round questionnaire was sent to the authorities of Kosovo* on 26 September 2014 and their reply was received on 16 January 2015, following which a visit was organised to Kosovo* from 7 to 10 April 2015.

During the visit, the GRETA delegation held meetings with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Skender Hyseni, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Petrit Selimi, and officials from relevant ministries and other public institutions. Further, it met members of Parliament. Separate meetings were held with representatives of non-governmental organisations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo* (EULEX).

The GRETA delegation visited the shelter for victims of trafficking under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the rehabilitation centre for victims of trafficking run by the NGO Centre for Protection of Victims and Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings (PVPT), and the shelter for children run by the NGO Hope and Homes (SDSF).

The report, which includes comments from the authorities of Kosovo*, is available in English, Albanian and Serbian.

*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nation’s Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.