How to improve cross-border protection of children?

March 28, 2014, Prishtina, Kosovo: A high-level meeting was convened by the Offices of the National Coordinator against Trafficking in Human Beings of Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro to improve the implementation of the Additional Protocol on Intensifying Cooperation in the Fight against Trafficking in Persons – that was signed two years ago between the countries. The conference was supported by Terre des hommes, Save the Children in Albania and GIZ office in Kosovo, in the framework of project Mario 2: *Protecting Children on the Move*.

While participants discussed the Protocol on Enhanced Identification, Notification, Referral and Voluntary Assisted Return of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking, especially Children, the conference also aimed at addressing the gaps in information exchange and cross-border referrals of potential victims/victims of trafficking in human beings. The National Referral Mechanisms for Victims of Trafficking was also on the agenda, as well as the initiation of cooperation with the authorities of Montenegro. The conference brought together relevant stakeholders in the area of anti-trafficking activities, such as National Coordinators, Government officials, representatives of the Police and Social Services from Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. During the two days the participants discussed the issues related to the national legislation and structures and exchanged information about current trends and practices in the fight against trafficking in human beings. In order to intensify cooperation, which the Additional Protocol signed in June 2012 aims; the participants discussed the text of the Additional Protocol and its implementation, responsibilities and duties of both parties.

Following analysis of case studies of trafficking involving children from Kosovo and Albania, the participants stressed the need to improve the exchange of information in order to effectively fight trafficking, and also acknowledged the lack of victim-oriented actions. Representatives of Kosovo and Albania presented best practices, especially with a focus of children on the move. After productive discussions, the coordinators agreed to have the first meeting of experts in June 2014 in Albania in order to ensure the adequate implementation of the Additional Protocol