Strengthening Justice through a Multi-disciplinary Approach: Mock Trial on Trafficking in Persons in Albania

 

10 - 12 December 2024, Tirana, Albania - A three-day mock trial on a trafficking in persons case, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in collaboration with School of Magistrates of the Republic of Albania and supported by the National antitrafficking coordinator and other relevant institutions in Albania, brought together key actors from the justice system to strengthen the detection, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of human trafficking cases. Supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, the event highlighted the urgent need for a victim-centered, multidisciplinary approach to combating trafficking.

Photo from the Opening Session 
 

The training involved 25 participants, including judges, prosecutors, police officers, social workers, and representatives from civil society organizations. Using real case scenarios adapted to Albania’s legal framework, participants engaged in role-playing activities that simulated the investigative and judicial processes. This methodology, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, mirrors UNODC’s mission to provide sustainable and impactful training.

 

Addressing Persistent Challenges

Ms. Romina Kuko, Deputy Minister of Interior and National Coordinator for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons in Albania, highlighted critical gaps in Albania’s efforts against trafficking. “According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 and 2024 reports, Albania has seen fewer investigations into trafficking cases leading to no convictions, which is concerning and needs to be analyzed and improve. The need to enhance capacities along the entire justice chain—from police work to courtroom proceedings—is evident,” she stated. Ms. Kuko also pointed to potential risks of forced labor trafficking during Albania’s tourist season, noting the exploitation of seasonal workers as an area requiring close attention to be prevented and examined.

Mr. Arben Rakipi, Director of the School of Magistrates, echoed the importance of a victim-centered perspective. “Human trafficking is not just a criminal matter; it’s a profound social issue. Victims are not merely elements of the crime but subjects of exploitation whose needs must be central to our response,” he said. He praised the collaboration with UNODC, acknowledging the value of the training’s methodology in shaping future judicial practices.

 Key moments captured during the court proceedings
 

Opening the event, Ms. Stojne Atanasovska Dimishkovska, UNODC National Programme Officer in North Macedonia, emphasized the broader significance of this initiative. “Trafficking in persons is among the gravest crimes of our time, exploiting the most vulnerable and profiting from human suffering. Our response must be equally relentless and borderless,” she remarked, underscoring UNODC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative national and global response.

 

Empowering Justice Practitioners

Participants lauded the mock trial’s innovative approach, which integrated real-world challenges such as legal qualifications of trafficking in persons cases, applying investigative techniques, protecting victims and witnesses, and ensuring appropriate sentencing and compensation for victims. Experts, including Ms. Doloreza Musabelliu, Prosecutor at SPAK, Ms. Tereza Merkaj, Judge, Mr. Sander Simoni, Judge, and Mariana Meshi, Director of Different and Equal, guided the sessions, ensuring that the discussions bridged practical challenges and theoretical solutions.

During a reflection period, participants explored the necessity of inter-agency coordination and the adoption of a trauma-informed approach. The mock trial methodology developed by UNODC and lectures of the School of Magistrates will be integrated into the School of Magistrates’ training curriculum.  This ensures that future generations of legal practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively address trafficking cases while prioritizing a victim-centered approach.

The judge announces the final verdict in the case.
 

A Global Perspective

The training coincided with the release of the 2024 UNODC Trafficking in Persons Report, which underscores emerging trends and challenges in combating trafficking globally. Among its findings, the report highlights the growing use of technology by traffickers to evade detection and the critical need for countries to adopt innovative approaches to counter these tactics, and a notable increase human trafficking cases for forced labour purposes. 

Group photo of the participants of the mock trial simulation
 

UNODC remains committed to supporting Albania and other Member States in their fight against human trafficking, reaffirming its mission to build a future free from exploitation and human suffering.

This activity contributes to SDG 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation and SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.