Analysis of Human Trafficking in the Western Balkans

i-APS, working with its Kosovo-based affiliate company KS-APS, conducted a research study in the MARRI region (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, BiH, North Macedonia, Kosovo) to assess trends in human trafficking and the impact of COVID-19 on migration. 

The study involved a desk review and interviews with stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, academia, and regional and international organizations from all represented Balkan countries.

i-APS presented the findings at regional conferences and published summaries of the research. The "Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the Western Balkans" (PaCT) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ and MARRI as a strategic partner, aims to build and expand capacities at the local, participant, and regional levels to improve the situation of victims of human trafficking. 

The project operates through four lines of action (Prevention, Protection, Partnership, and Support Services) to strengthen the capacities of key actors in resilience, victim identification, and protection. The project follows a multi-level approach, with the MARRI Network of Coordinators for fight against Trafficking in Human Beings serving as the Steering Group.

Donor: Regional Centre of the Migration, Asylum, Refugee Regional Initiative (MARRI)
Dates: October 2020 - December 2020