U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Macedonia
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Author | Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
| Publication Date | 5 June 2002 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Macedonia, 5 June 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d7a123.html [accessed 9 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Macedonia (Tier 1)
Macedonia is a country of transit and destination primarily for women and children trafficked for prostitution from the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, notably Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. Some victims remain in Macedonia, while others are trafficked to Albania, Kosovo or Italy.
The Government of Macedonia fully complies with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, including making serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons with respect to law enforcement, protection of victims, and prevention of trafficking. Macedonia adopted a new law in 2002 that criminalizes trafficking and actions associated with trafficking, such as the destruction of identification documents. Since the passage of the new law, Macedonia has already had a number of arrests, including that of an alleged organizer of a trafficking ring. Prior to the enactment of the new law, Macedonia prosecuted suspected traffickers under laws relating to kidnapping and rape. Many of these cases resulted in convictions. To protect victims, a government shelter offers medical and psychological assistance to victims. The shelter has assisted many trafficking victims. The attitude of the police to trafficking victims has improved over the past year. Victims are encouraged to provide information for criminal prosecution, and may in theory file suit against traffickers, although the latter is not done in practice. Victims may not gain temporary resident status in Macedonia. The government has facilitated the return of victims so they could testify against traffickers. To prevent trafficking, local NGOs have worked with the government and a regional organization to develop awareness-building campaigns. Government programs promote women's participation in economic decision-making and improve the quality of education. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare funds a small prevention program. Although the government actively monitors the borders, large portions remain porous, and weak immigration laws make it difficult for the border police to deny admission to suspected victims.
