The action on “Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in North Macedonia” is implemented within the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”.

What is the goal?

The Action Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in North Macedonia supports the authorities in North Macedonia in improving the identification, protection of, and assistance to victims of human trafficking, in line with the European standards, as stipulated in the recommendations resulting from the monitoring of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

Who benefits from the Action?

key beneficiary institutions, including: National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and State Labour Inspectorate, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health

civil society organisations and selected public/private sector actors (Chamber of Commerce, Agrotrade Union)

communities at risk from human trafficking (including victims of human trafficking and their families)

public at large

How will the Action work?

The Action will support the authorities in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, by providing expert advice, raising capacities and supporting key stakeholders in their efforts. In this framework the Action will concretely focus on:

legislative interventions, policy and research support;

multi-disciplinary trainings for key actors;

seminars and workshops with partner institutions; 

awareness raising and informative events for the public;

Expected results:

Expected results from the project are

detection and identification of, and assistance to victims of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation will be improved;

detection and identification of, and protection of child victims of human trafficking will be strengthened;

access to compensation for victims of human trafficking will be improved;

all the actors in the field of combatting human trafficking, and the general public at large, will be more informed and aware about specific vulnerabilities to trafficking situations and the rights of trafficked persons.

How do we get more information?

 Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings: https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/rms/090000168008371d

 GRETA country report: https://www.coe.int/en/web/anti-human-trafficking/-the-former-yugoslav-republic-of-macedonia-