Victims of human trafficking in North Macedonia often face long processes to rebuild their lives and reintegrate in the society. Compensation, as means to reckon the injustice these victims suffered by the society, is essential for their resocialisation and reintegration. This week, as part of the efforts to promote access to compensation and the impact it can have, the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Strengthening anti - trafficking action in North Macedonia”, organised a discussion forum on state compensation in Skopje to mark the International Human Rights Day and the week for the fight against human trafficking.

Legal professionals, social workers, civil society and representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who are at the forefront of fight against human trafficking met to highlight why compensation was essential for victims’ recovery, dignity and safety.

“Victims of violent crimes must realise their right to compensation, as it plays a crucial role in helping them rebuild their lives and secure their future”, said Svetlana CVETKOVSKA, the Co-ordinator of the National Referral Mechanism. “Victims of trafficking often do not have any accommodation, documents, employment, while they are also carrying the weight of psychological trauma. Compensation provides them with an opportunity to heal and supports their resocialisation and reintegration into society”, she continued.

Real cases of awarded compensation to victims were reviewed by the participants, illustrating how such support can help these victims regain their stability. Participants also examined the evidence of compensation required. Insights and concerns raised during the event, will contribute to the upcoming national anti-trafficking strategy and action plan for 2026-2030.

Information materials on claiming compensation, prepared with the support of this action were presented to the participants. They are available in multiple languages on the website of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje.

This discussion forum was organised in co-operation with the National Anti-trafficking Commission and the Commission on Monetary Compensation for Victims of Violent Crimes.

The action on “Strengthening anti - trafficking action in North Macedonia” is part of the  “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” programme, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.