OSCE Mission to Montenegro presents national strategy against human trafficking

Montenegro’s “National Strategy on the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2018” and the Action Plan for its implementation were presented by OSCE Mission and the National Co-ordinator’s Office to relevant institutions and journalists on 13 December 2012 in Podgorica.

The Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, said: “Trafficking in human beings is a major violation of human rights and a serious criminal offence. To combat it requires effective co-ordination between government agencies and strong inter-agency co-operation of law enforcement, judiciary, social services and ministries of health and education.”

Montenegro’s National Co-ordinator for the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings Zoran Ulama said: “The strategy will help raise public awareness to increase understanding of the problem, as well as strengthen the capacities of those involved in the fight against all forms of human trafficking through proactive identification and protection of potential victims and prosecuting perpetrators.”

The presentation, which was part of the OSCE’s continuing support to increase the capacity of the National Co-ordinator's Office, gathered representatives of the police, prosecution offices, relevant state agencies, non-governmental organizations and media.