Minister of Interior Panče Toshkovski today took part in the Regional Meeting of Experts on strengthening cross-border criminal cooperation and protecting foreign victims in human trafficking cases. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
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In his address, Toshkovski stressed that tackling human trafficking, one of the most serious forms of organized crime, requires international cooperation and full coordination among institutions.
“Human trafficking is a global phenomenon that is socially unacceptable. It knows no borders and does not discriminate based on the background, affiliation or beliefs of its victims. For this reason, our response must also be determined, organized, comprehensive and multidisciplinary,” the minister said.
According to him, criminal groups are not limited to the known forms of exploitation, but are constantly creating new and more sophisticated methods of abusing people.
The minister paid particular attention to sexual and labor exploitation, stressing that foreign nationals who leave in search of better economic conditions are especially exposed to the risk of becoming victims of trafficking.
Toshkovski said that the Western Balkans remains both a region of origin, transit and destination for trafficking victims. In Macedonia, primarily domestic trafficking has been recorded in recent years, although foreign victims have also been identified.
Among the most vulnerable groups, he singled out children and people facing poverty, discrimination or domestic violence. For this reason, institutions must continuously monitor new developments and intervene in a timely manner, the minister stressed.
Speaking about measures taken at the national level, Toshkovski recalled that, since 2001, Macedonia has continued to strengthen its institutional mechanisms against human trafficking. These efforts have included aligning legislation and practices with international standards and the recommendations of relevant organizations.
“Our system rests on five pillars: prevention, criminal prosecution, protection, reintegration and compensation of victims. At the center of every measure we take is the Human Being—the victim, whose dignity must be restored,” Toshkovski said.
In conclusion, the minister pointed out that human trafficking often takes place in secrecy and that victims remain invisible to society. He described raising public awareness, education, timely identification and reporting as essential elements in the fight against this phenomenon.
