The Government of the Republic of Macedonia does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, however significant efforts are being made to achieve those standards, stated the annual report on trafficking prepared by the US State Department.
“In comparison with the period from the previous report, the government has demonstrated increased efforts, which is why it remains at the second level”, the report said, stating that the authorities had made a step towards preparing and adopting a national strategy, a national action plan, appointing a national rapporteur and a national coordinator for human trafficking.
Despite these efforts, the report notes that the government has met not the minimum standards in several areas. It noted that in the past period, in comparison with previous years, fewer smugglers have been charged and convicted, grants have not been awarded to NGOs to combat human trafficking, and the partnership has stopped with the non-governmental organizations who provide support to government care centers .
“Human traffickers often bribe police and labour inspectors. There have been investigations and penalties for police officers who were complicit in human trafficking”, said the report.
