A new report by the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) welcomes the progress made by the Albanian authorities in the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, but underscores that further efforts are needed to ensure effective protection, support and justice for victims.
The report, covering the period 2020-2024, evaluates the measures taken by Albania to prevent vulnerabilities to trafficking in human beings, detect and support vulnerable victims, and punish offenders. It pays particular attention to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to commit human trafficking offences.
GRETA notes that Albania has strengthened its anti-trafficking response through the adoption of a revised Law on Foreigners and a new Law on Asylum, as well as the introduction of a revised National Referral Mechanism in 2023 and increased state support for shelters for victims of trafficking. The authorities have regularly adopted national anti-trafficking action plans which include prevention measures targeting vulnerable groups, including children, Roma and Egyptian communities, migrants and asylum seekers.
The number of formally identified trafficking victims has declined (28 in 2020-2024), in contrast to the increase in the number of presumed victims (700). The high proportion of child victims highlights the urgent need for stronger child protection services and effective prevention measures.
Unaccompanied and separated children, as well as members of marginalised communities, are especially vulnerable to human trafficking and often lack access to appropriate care and protection. In this context, GRETA recommends that the Albanian authorities ensure that unaccompanied children are assigned legal guardians and provided with safe accommodation. It also calls on the authorities to strengthen awareness-raising and outreach work in Roma and Egyptian communities.
Furthermore, GRETA urges the Albanian authorities to ensure that migrant workers enjoy the same rights and protection as Albanian workers, to increase inspections of private employment agencies and sectors at high risk of exploitation, and to further train labour inspectors and other professionals on combating trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation.
The report highlights that only two trafficking victims have been awarded compensation by courts since 2008. GRETA calls for better access to legal aid for victims of trafficking, stronger enforcement of victims’ right to compensation, and the setting up of a state compensation scheme for victims of trafficking.
In addition, the report recommends expanding digital investigation capacities and engaging with technology providers to address trafficking facilitated through online platforms.
