NCJ Number
193992
Date Published
2001
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to collect and analyze information available on trafficking in the Balkans and neighboring countries, specifically women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The study was intended to support and strengthen counter-trafficking strategies in the region.
Abstract
The trafficking of individuals from the Balkans and neighboring countries (BNC) has become a major concern and issue to those Governments. Because of this concern and problem, this study focused specifically on the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation had become a growing form of trafficking in the Balkan region. The study had two primary goals: (1) to establish the extent of trafficking to, through, and from the Balkans and neighboring countries and (2) to assess the data and determine how existing data relevant to trafficking in the BNC could be improved. A questionnaire was designed which included indicators of trafficking and was given to 28 countries. The questionnaire’s focus was on direct indicators of the scale of trafficking. In addition, the set of background reports commissioned by the study were utilized. The report was divided into five main sections: (1) a discussion of some of the problems common to measuring irregular migration and trafficking, and the limitations of relying solely on low enforcement data; (2) an examination of the scale of trafficking from the BNC and its significance to countries in Western Europe; (3) focus on the BNC as a transit region; (4) an examination of countries and regions of origin of women trafficked to the BNC; and (5) conclusions and highlights of the actions necessary to improve data on trafficking in the BNC. Recommendations are presented and are intended to enhance law enforcement, prevention, victim protection, and support, combat trafficking, and improve data collection. These recommendations included: (1) the development and strengthening of protection assistance mechanisms; (2) prevention through socioeconomic support and awareness-raising activities; (3) data segregation in terms of gender, nationality, age, and type of exploitation; (4) trafficking and migration data to be more differentiated; (5) appointment of national counter-trafficking coordinator/task force; and (6) information sharing at international level. References