A/HRC/20/24/Add.1
and different forms of exploitation of vulnerable groups in society, notably children,
women and Roma. Poor socio-economic conditions in parts of Albania continue to trigger a
movement – often seasonal – of children to neighbouring countries for begging and other
forms of forced labour. He heard about Roma children as young as 7 leaving Albania on
short-term migration to beg, collect cans and pick tomatoes and engage in other types of
agricultural work abroad.
28.
In this context, the Special Rapporteur welcomed the current focus of the National
Coordinator for Anti-Trafficking of Human Beings on economic exploitation and
exploitation of children in particular. He commends the National Coordinator’s office for
its admirable work in fighting trafficking, including through the creation of anti-trafficking
police, partnership with civil society and providing shelters for victims of trafficking.
Challenges still to be resolved in the fight against trafficking include the need to amend
criminal legislation, measures for proactive identification of potential victims, and better
referral mechanisms at the local level to prevent re-victimization and ensure reintegration in
society.
29.
The Special Rapporteur also learned that the process of visa liberalization with
Balkan countries has resulted in reports of young Albanian women going as “singers” or
“to marry” abroad. While noting that bilateral agreements with some neighbouring
countries concerned have been proposed, he regrets that none have yet been concluded.
Several interlocutors alerted the Special Rapporteur to the need for more research and
analysis on women and the migration phenomenon in general. He was informed that
Albanian women returnees were allegedly frequently victims of domestic violence and
received most worrisome reports of an increase in killings of women during holiday
seasons when their husbands or partners return home in the context of rumours of
extramarital affairs and disrespect for family unity.
V. Albanian migrants abroad
30.
According to the Law on Migration of Albanian Nationals for Employment
Purposes, the Government of Albania has the responsibility to verify and ensure respect for
the rights of Albanian migrants abroad by the host countries (art. 17, para. 1). The law
explicitly aims at “the protection of the political, economic and social rights” of Albanian
emigrants (art. 1, para. 2 (b)). The Government has recognized that this duty is a major
challenge due to the large number of Albanian migrants working and living abroad. 17 The
limited capacity of consular services, the rights of children, persons deprived of their liberty
and protection of social rights are priority issues in this regard.
A.
Consular services
31.
Albanian embassies and consulates play a key role in upholding the rights of
Albanian abroad, in particular through the provision of legal advice, assistance to detained
Albanians and other services for Albanian emigrants in need. The Special Rapporteur was
informed that due to limited resources, expertise and capacity, the ability of diplomatic and
consular offices to duly fulfil this responsibility is severely hampered. While noting that
improving consular services is a Government priority and that a first training on human
rights for consular staff was provided in cooperation with IOM in May 2011, he is
concerned that the planned activities for diplomats regarding training and legal expertise on
human rights and migration policy, as well as regular reporting on assistance to Albanian
17
10
National Strategy on Migration, p. 12.