The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Kari Johnstone, concluded a four-day country visit to Albania (24-26 March 2026). The visit featured extensive consultations with senior government officials and civil society organizations to evaluate the country's anti-trafficking response and identify areas for enhanced cooperation. Special Representative Johnstone held high-level meetings with key Albanian authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Interior Ms. Silva Caka (serving as National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator), the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Megi Fino, and the Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Ms. Olta Manjani, the Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, the Head of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) Klodian Braho, alongside other senior officials.
"This visit aimed to bring renewed attention to human trafficking, including emerging trends such as the exploitation of migrant workers in the tourism, construction, and manufacturing sectors, technology-facilitated trafficking, and the increased proportion of child victims," said SR Johnstone. "While we acknowledge significant progress, critical gaps remain that require urgent attention to protect society's most vulnerable members."
Acknowledging Progress While Addressing Critical Gaps
Johnstone recognized several positive developments in Albania's anti-trafficking framework, including the 2023 revision of the National Referral Mechanism, which expanded membership to 15 state and non-state organizations and established 12 local commissions.
The expansion of Mobile Identification Units to nine regional centers, which have identified approximately 80% of potential victims in recent years, represents a significant advancement in proactive victim identification. Additionally, Albania's 45% increase in state funding for NGONGO
non-governmental organization-run shelters in 2024 demonstrates a growing commitment to sustainable victim protection services, and SPAK has played an important role in dismantling organized criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people in forced criminality. The Special Representative welcomed Albania's efforts to regulate and monitor private recruitment agencies - a very timely approach to prevent trafficking as labour migration to the country is rapidly increasing - and the proactive efforts of the Labour Inspectorate to conduct risk-based inspections and oversight of employment agencies.
However, the visit also highlighted areas requiring heightened attention. A significant gap persists between potential victims identified (672 between 2020 and 2024) and formally identified victims (only 28 in the same period). Most alarming is the persistent scarcity of trafficking convictions in recent years in contrast with increased investigations and victim identification. Despite children comprising nearly 67% of trafficking victims, prosecutions and convictions specifically related to child trafficking remain very low. Although the Albanian Criminal Code contains a specific non-punishment provision, its application remains inconsistent.
Capacity-Building Initiatives
To build on longstanding efforts of the OSCE Presence in Albania, the Office offered targeted support, including workshops on ethical recruitment and supply chain due diligence for businesses and on forced criminality, including the drugs-trafficking nexus and the application of the non-punishment principle. Planned initiatives include support in exploring the establishment of an independent National Anti-Trafficking Rapporteur and guidance for consular workers on identifying exploitation risks.
The visit reinforced the mutual commitment to deepen cooperation between the OSCE and Albania to enhance efforts to combat human trafficking through evidence-based assessment, technical assistance, and capacity-building, ensuring protection for society's most vulnerable members.
