Interim Secure Facility helps Kosovo trafficking victims
A different shelter
The ISF is a secure emergency facility, accessible on a twenty-four hour basis for victims of trafficking. After an interview with one of the OMiK's Human Rights Officers, the victims are able to weigh the different options presented to them from within a safe confine. They can remain in Kosovo to testify in court, should they choose to do so, or receive assistance for repatriation.
"The ISF is different from existing shelters or safe houses. It is designed to give shelter for an interim period in order to provide psychological and legal counselling. This will also enable victims to decide whether they wish to be sent back to their country or testify against the perpetrators," says Laure Aviles, legal advisor in the OSCE's Human Rights Victim Advocacy and Support Section.
A second chance
For most of the victims, reaching the ISF is a chance to start over again. But how easy is it to go back to an economically and socially devastated country with few or no opportunities at all?
"My parents think I'm a waitress and they do not ask many questions. I call them once a month to confirm that everything is 'OK' and that the money has reached its destination," says Lena, who was brought to Kosovo from Moldova a year ago on job promises. "Initially I resisted, but with my passport torn to pieces and no food, I had no choice. Others decided for me," she says sobbing.
Lena has decided to leave the past behind and seize this second chance. "I have had enough of this life, and I want to bring it to an end. It will be very hard to face the truth but there is nothing to lose. I want my life back," she concludes.
Legal framework
The establishment of the ISF is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UN Pillar of Police and Justice in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, signed on 28 March 2003, to provide financing and assistance to victims of trafficking. Under this agreement, the OSCE provides EUR 160,000 to support and operate the Interim Secure facility for one year.
But the ISF is only the latest in a series of measures undertaken by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo to fight trafficking in human beings. In January 2001, experts in a working group chaired by the OSCE contributed significantly to the preparation of the Regulation 2001/4, which made trafficking in people illegal in Kosovo.
In October 2002, the Mission adopted the 'Code of Conduct for OSCE Mission members'. This code requires all mission members to adopt exemplary standards of personal behaviour to contribute to combating trafficking in human beings.
"The establishment of the ISF underscores the dedication of the OSCE Mission to Kosovo and its Human Rights Victim Advocacy and Support Section to its task of advocating for the rights of victims," said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The ISF is a secure emergency facility, accessible on a twenty-four hour basis for victims of trafficking. After an interview with one of the OMiK's Human Rights Officers, the victims are able to weigh the different options presented to them from within a safe confine. They can remain in Kosovo to testify in court, should they choose to do so, or receive assistance for repatriation.
"The ISF is different from existing shelters or safe houses. It is designed to give shelter for an interim period in order to provide psychological and legal counselling. This will also enable victims to decide whether they wish to be sent back to their country or testify against the perpetrators," says Laure Aviles, legal advisor in the OSCE's Human Rights Victim Advocacy and Support Section.
A second chance
For most of the victims, reaching the ISF is a chance to start over again. But how easy is it to go back to an economically and socially devastated country with few or no opportunities at all?
"My parents think I'm a waitress and they do not ask many questions. I call them once a month to confirm that everything is 'OK' and that the money has reached its destination," says Lena, who was brought to Kosovo from Moldova a year ago on job promises. "Initially I resisted, but with my passport torn to pieces and no food, I had no choice. Others decided for me," she says sobbing.
Lena has decided to leave the past behind and seize this second chance. "I have had enough of this life, and I want to bring it to an end. It will be very hard to face the truth but there is nothing to lose. I want my life back," she concludes.
Legal framework
The establishment of the ISF is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UN Pillar of Police and Justice in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, signed on 28 March 2003, to provide financing and assistance to victims of trafficking. Under this agreement, the OSCE provides EUR 160,000 to support and operate the Interim Secure facility for one year.
But the ISF is only the latest in a series of measures undertaken by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo to fight trafficking in human beings. In January 2001, experts in a working group chaired by the OSCE contributed significantly to the preparation of the Regulation 2001/4, which made trafficking in people illegal in Kosovo.
In October 2002, the Mission adopted the 'Code of Conduct for OSCE Mission members'. This code requires all mission members to adopt exemplary standards of personal behaviour to contribute to combating trafficking in human beings.
"The establishment of the ISF underscores the dedication of the OSCE Mission to Kosovo and its Human Rights Victim Advocacy and Support Section to its task of advocating for the rights of victims," said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.