ANNOUNCEMENT

VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING AND VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT 2000 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT JUNE 2002

DEPARTMENT OF STATE-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

This is the second annual report to Congress, as required by the Act, on the status of severe forms of trafficking in persons worldwide. It covers the time period of April 2001 through March 2002.

Republic of Macedonia is classified among the countries in Tier 1 which governments fully comply with the Act's minimum standards. Such governments criminalize and have successfully prosecuted trafficking, and have provided a wide range of protective services to victims. Victims are not jailed or otherwise punished solely as a result of being trafficked, and they are not summarily returned to a country where they may face hardship as a result of being trafficked. In addition, these governments sponsor or coordinate prevention campaigns aimed at stemming the flow of trafficking. The report for Macedonia says:

Macedonia (Tier 1)

Macedonia is a country of transit and destination primarily for women and children trafficked for prostitution from the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, notably Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. Some victims remain in Macedonia, while others are trafficked to Albania, Kosovo or Italy.

The Government of Macedonia fully complies with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, including making serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons with respect to law enforcement, protection of victims, and prevention of trafficking. Macedonia adopted a new law in 2002 that criminalizes trafficking and actions associated with trafficking, such as the destruction of identification documents. Since the passage of the new law, Macedonia has already had a number of arrests, including that of an alleged organizer of a trafficking ring. Prior to the enactment of the new law, Macedonia prosecuted suspected traffickers under laws relating to kidnapping and rape. Many of these cases resulted in convictions. To protect victims, a government shelter offers medical and psychological assistance to victims. The shelter has assisted many trafficking victims. The attitude of the police to trafficking victims has improved over the past year. Victims are encouraged to provide information for criminal prosecution, and may in theory file suit against traffickers, although the latter is not done in practice. Victims may not gain temporary resident status in Macedonia. The government has facilitated the return of victims so they could testify against traffickers. To prevent trafficking, local NGOs have worked with the government and a regional organization to develop awareness-building campaigns. Government programs promote women's participation in economic decision-making and improve the quality of education. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare funds a small prevention program. Although the government actively monitors the borders, large portions remain porous, and weak immigration laws make it difficult for the border police to deny admission to suspected victims.