Albania

Developing a child protection system against child abuse, neglect, exploitation and trafficking

Operating in Albania since 1993, Terre des hommes (Tdh) has been running projects that aim to tackle issues of child trafficking and child protection. In 2010, almost 10,000 people benefited from the activities implemented.

The context

Human trafficking in Albania became widespread with the fall of communism in the early 90s. Most victims were women and girls aged 15 to 25 who were sold as sex workers. Other victims included those trafficked for forced labor and children who were used for forced begging. Greece was the primary destination followed by Italy. Despite lack of solid data and research, common knowledge suggests that this phenomenon has decreased in recent years whilst various forms of internal trafficking and exploitation, fueled by pervasive poverty, have taken its place. Over 50% of the victims are under 18. Children from Roma and other vulnerable communities are particularly exposed to the dangers of forced labor and begging.

Our intervention

Establishing Child Protection Units

Tdh is supporting the establishment and capacity development of Child Protection Units (CPU) in several municipalities in charge of identifying children in need or at risk of abuse, exploitation, violence and/or trafficking. The CPUs provide child protection through case management model, and offer direct support and services by coordinating actions and protective measures taken by the various multi-disciplinary actors involved. Tdh directly supports the work of 8 out of 18 CPUs currently operational in Albania; the others are supported by Tdh’s close partners.

Strengthening child protection within the education system

Tdh is assisting schools to play an active part in the child protection system through capacity building in order for them to be better equipped to identify children in need of support, refer them to adequate services and facilitate their integration in the school environment.

Supporting vulnerable communities

In partnership with Roma organisations, Tdh supports the development of Community Counselling Groups which offer child protection advice and counselling to vulnerable families and help identify and refer cases of children in need or at risk by linking them to the appropriate public and non-public service providers in their localities.

Direct support to improving well-being and resilience of vulnerable children

At the local level, Tdh supports the organization of psychosocial activities for vulnerable children, and strengthen the capacities of local caregivers from NGOs, schools, social workers, residential institutions to deliver quality services for children including through sports and recreational activities.

• 19.819651 41.332908

  Tirana

• 20.790153 40.619771

  Korça

• 20.239334 40.997831

  Elbasan

• 20.66381 40.901791

  Pogradec

• 19.44849 41.324052

  Durrës

• 19.659805 40.942876

  Fier

• 20.235214 40.215901

  Gjirokaster

• 20.000067 39.86934

  Saranda