Combating technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings in Albania in focus of roundtable organized by OSCE Presence
National and international experts gathered today in Tirana to discuss measures to combat technology-facilitate trafficking in human beings in Albania. The OSCE Presence in Albania and the OSCE’s Office of the Special Representative and Coordinator for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings organized the roundtable.
Participants from law-enforcement agencies, prosecutors, international and civil society organizations discussed how the national legislation, including within the National Referral Mechanism, is enhanced to address technology-facilitated trafficking of human beings. Special focus was given to what legal requirements are in place and what can be improved to ensure that online platforms do not facilitate illegal activities associated with trafficking in human beings, and measures to ensure rapid exchange of data between law enforcement and technology companies.
Opening the event, Deputy Head of Presence Clarisse Pasztory said: “You know from numerous reports, including OSCE's own research, how modern communication technologies, such as the internet, social media, and mobile applications, have really significantly changed how organized crime groups engage in human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants”. “Today you will not only discuss about the downsides of modern technologies, but also about the positive sides and opportunities, and will be hearing of good practices and positive effects both in Albania and in other countries how to harness technology to better investigate and prosecute human trafficking and better identify victims of trafficking. Both of these are issues on which the OSCE Presence in Albania is extremely engaged,” she added.
Member of High Court Sandër Simoni, Chief of Cybercrime Unit in the Albanian State Police Hergis Jica and General Director of the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security Igli Tafa spoke at the opening of the roundtable.
The event was part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Presence to increase the capacities of institutions and civil society in Albania against human trafficking.