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Albania

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

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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, 7,800 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.

Centered at 20.168331 41.153332 7

Places of intervention : Tirana, Korça, Elbasan, Pogradec, Durrës, Fier, Gjirokaster , Saranda

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

In joint cooperation with : Municipalities, Education, BKTF, ARSIS, Amarodrom, Romani Baxt, FBSh, CILPS, CAAP, Roma CBOs and many others

Delegate : Sendrine Constant

Expatriate staff : 1

National staff : 35

Budget : 2'713'818 CHF

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Side Notes

Children’s situation

• 22.6% of the population is less than 14 years old
• 14 children out of 1000 die before the age of 5 (CH: 5‰)
• 12% of the 5 to14 years old children work

Results 2010

Terre des hommes has developed a system of child protection based mainly around the structures run by social workers, schools and the most marginalized communities (Roma) in Albania. Thanks to the on-going training of 457 people, 4,120 children (most of them victims of violence or exploitation, or at risk) were identified and given direct support. Special efforts were made towards prevention, in particular strengthening the individual and social abilities of vulnerable children, and on collaboration with local partners. In 2010, these child protection structures were made law, thanks to intensive advocacy with the authorities, ensuring viability of the activities.

Testimonial

“We need to act to defend the rights of children”, says Vasilika Laçi, head of the child protection project of Terre des hommes in Albania. She explains in an interview why she is commited to Tdh’work in Albania.

- Vasilika, in charge of the child protection project of Tdh in Albania

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