The most recent report of the US State Department on human trafficking across the world categorized Kosovo as a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor, including in the restaurant industry. It stated that most sex trafficking victims in Kosovo are girls and that they are subjected to sex trafficking in private homes and apartments, night clubs, and massage parlors.

“During the reporting period, authorities identified children exploited as dancers and escorts, who are also vulnerable to sex trafficking. Traffickers subject Kosovo citizens to forced prostitution and forced labor throughout Europe,” the report states.

According to the State Department, government corruption creates an environment that enables some trafficking crimes. Several police officers, labor ministry employees, and other government officials have been charged with or convicted of trafficking crimes.

“The Government of Kosovo does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government licensed two NGO shelters to exclusively serve trafficking victims, increased funding for the shelters, and offered shelter and services to all victims identified in 2015.” Furthermore, it appointed a national coordinator for anti-trafficking efforts, and began implementation of its national action plan, including disbursing funds to support the plan’s activities. However, the government identified fewer victims and prosecuted fewer suspects than the previous year.

“Convictions decreased to a five-year low, and judges imposed lenient sentences on convicted traffickers. Furthermore, while complicit officials faced administrative action for involvement in trafficking crimes, courts formally acquitted them of trafficking”.

The government continued to lack a victim compensation fund required by law, and the national anti-trafficking agency was inactive for much of the reporting period.