Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

To mark the World Day against Trafficking in persons, key anti-trafficking actors in North Macedonia joined forces to strengthen identification, referral and protection of child trafficking victims for sexual exploitation. Organised by the joint European Union and the Council of Europe action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in North Macedonia”, together with the anti-trafficking CSO “Open Gate/La Strada”, the discussion brought together representatives of relevant institutions, beneficiaries and partners, including the National Anti-trafficking Commission, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, centres for social work, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international partners as well as civil society organisations to exchange experiences and advance practical solutions.

Trafficking in children for the purpose of sexual exploitation is one of the worst crimes, with long-term consequences for a child's psychophysical development and outrages upon child victims’ dignity. While socio-economic and family conditions adversely affect children’s vulnerability, in today's modern world, children also face risks from social networks and video games.

In view of addressing these risks and ensuring adequate protection of children from child trafficking for sexual exploitation, the CSO Open Gate/La Strada encouraged expert discussion in view of finalising the Guide on dealing with victims of child trafficking for sexual exploitation. This multi-sectoral Guide explains step-by-step all important phases of detection, identification, referral, protection and resocialisation of child trafficking victims.

“National statistics consistently show that most of the identified victims of trafficking in human beings are children, with sexual exploitation remaining the most common form of exploitation. However, we must always remember that there is a real child behind the statistics, whose rights have been violated and who needs protection, support and opportunity to rebuild their life.”, said Marija TODOROVSKA, Programme Director of the CSO Open Gate/La Strada.

The event created a discussion forum for the experts who shared their different professional perspectives regarding prevention and fight against child trafficking for sexual exploitation. Through their joint effort they aim to contribute to the reduction of the number of child trafficking victims and to explore opportunities to enhance legal and psycho-social protection for children at risk.

The action  “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in North Macedonia”, is part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint initiative “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.