Government continuously works on improving capacities for responding to the problem of human trafficking. We must act jointly, through strengthened regional and international cooperation. We must work together in order to prevent crimes and protect victims, said Minister of Interior, Mr Mevludin Nuhodžić, opening international conference entitled “Fight against human trafficking in the Western Balkans”.
Mr Nuhodžić said that Strategy for combating human trafficking 2019-2024 showed commitment to tackling all aspects of human trafficking. The focus is on rooting out human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, agreed marriages in the Roma and Egyptian population and street begging.
“Coordination of national and local-level institutions has been improved. Accessibility of services in the domain of re-integration of victims has been enhanced, and we are working on raising awareness of this phenomenon”, said Minister.
Pro-active inquiries have been intensified thanks to the establishment of the sector for suppression of human trafficking, smuggling and illegal migration, and establishment of the Operational team for combating human trafficking.
Mr Nuhodžić said that Ministry of Interior had formed a team for formal identification of human trafficking victims. He also emphasized strong connection between human trafficking and other forms of cross-border crime and said that special attention would be given to migrants.
“We are well aware that we must continue with pro-active approach and put in efforts to identify and prosecute human trafficking offences”, concluded Minister Nuhodžić.
