Subject: Trafficking and exploitation of children in Albania

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission
(1 February 2002)

Trafficking of human beings is an issue of concern in Albania. The Commission, together with Member States and other relevant international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has been helping the Albanian authorities to address this issue. Despite these efforts and a number of important recent initiatives, i.e. the establishment of an anti-trafficking centre in Vlora (supported by Germany, Greece and Italy) and the adoption by the Albanian Government of an anti-trafficking strategy, much remains to be done in Albania to curb trafficking activities.

In its Country Strategy Paper for Albania 2002-2006, the Commission has considered justice and home affairs (including the fight against organised crime and trafficking of human beings) as the main priority area for Community financial assistance. For the implementation of projects in this field, the Commission will certainly take concerted action with all relevant bodies and institutions, both at Albanian and international level. These projects will aim, inter alia, to help to root out the gangs involved in the trafficking and exploitation of children, and to support Albania's continued progress in implementing the guidelines on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography adopted by the Parliament in June 2001.