Today, when EULEX marks the fourth EU Anti-Trafficking day, the EULEX Head of Mission, Xavier Bout de Marnhac, made the following statement:

“Trafficking in human beings is a high profit and low risk crime. Trafficking means the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminals who deal with people as commodities to be traded for the sole purpose of financial gain. It is considered one of the most serious crimes worldwide, a gross violation of human rights, a modern form of slavery, and an extremely profitable business for organised crime. It is a crime that undermines the rule of law and has negative effects on peace and security.”

The Anti-Trafficking Day was established in 2007 by the EU with the aim of highlighting the importance of this issue. Although women and children comprise the highest number of trafficked persons, increasingly men are trafficked for labour exploitation. Kosovo is an area of origin, transit and destination of victims of trafficking.

“It is of utmost importance to prevent trafficking, prosecute the traffickers and protect the rights of the victims. As part of its mandate, EULEX is committed to systematically address the need to combat this crime and will ensure that cases of trafficking are properly investigated and prosecuted. EULEX will continue to support the Kosovo authorities in their efforts to implement the legislation and national action plan against trafficking in human beings”, said de Marnhac.