OSCE Mission launches helpline for human trafficking and domestic violence victims in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 18 October 2011 – The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the Interior Ministry launched today an anti-trafficking and domestic violence helpline.

The toll-free helpline “0800 1111 2” will serve as a main point of contact for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as a source of information for all stakeholders, including the general public.

“A helpline is a way to ensure that victims of trafficking in human beings and domestic violence are properly identified and referred to relevant institutions for assistance and protection,” said Susan Heintz, the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The Mission equipped the helpline operations room, trained the operators and is now supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the helpline and the services it provides.

Deputy Interior Minister and Kosovo Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Saša Rašić said: “Kosovo institutions are determined to fight human trafficking and to provide assistance to its victims. Our priority is to bring the perpetrators before justice.”

The OSCE Mission is Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion. It supports the efforts of local institutions to fully implement the Kosovo Strategy and Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings.