Montenegro and Kosovo maintained the same position, while Serbia regressed, it was stated in the State Department's annual report on human trafficking in the world, which was presented in the American capital by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, reports Voice of America.
Montenegro belongs to the countries of the second group - which is a confirmation of its ranking according to the 2021 report.
The text states that the Government of Montenegro does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so.
It was also established that the covid pandemic has made efforts to combat human trafficking more difficult.
"The government adopted the National Action Plan for 2021 and coordinating bodies met regularly. However, the government did not meet minimum standards in several key areas. Fewer cases were investigated and fewer trafficking suspects were prosecuted. Efforts to protect victims were reduced, including and allocating fewer resources to the shelter for victims of human trafficking, which is run by a non-governmental organization. Fewer victims have been identified and there is insufficient effort to find victims among asylum seekers, migrants, and seasonal workers," the text specified - which also pointed to progress in certain areas.
"The efforts of the Montenegrin authorities were reflected in the provision of comprehensive training on identifying victims and assistance to officials in charge of this. Procedures for combating human trafficking in shelters were adjusted to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic," the State Department said.
Among the recommendations are suggested investigations, prosecution and punishment of human traffickers under criminal law, as well as strengthening efforts to identify victims of human trafficking.
"Among individuals in the sex industry, the migrant population, asylum seekers, refugees and seasonal workers. Provide sufficient funds for the shelter of victims of human trafficking, and for the protection of privacy for victims, as well as adherence to victim protection standards. Judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement authorities need provide modern training", it was stated, among other things, in the recommendations related to Montenegro.
The report states that smugglers in Montenegro are mostly men aged 25 to 49, who are members of organized criminal groups active in the Western Balkans. Victims of human trafficking are mostly women and girls from Montenegro, neighboring countries and to a lesser extent from Eastern European countries.
Traffickers use victims in the hospitality industry, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cafes. Children, especially Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, are forced to beg, and young Roma women are forced into marriages and forced labor in Roma communities in Montenegro, as well as to a lesser extent in Albania, Germany and Kosovo. Migrants from neighboring countries are potential victims of forced labor, especially during the summer tourist season," the State Department report emphasizes.
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