Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support.
Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from five in 2024. Authorities charged 34 suspects, compared with 49 a year earlier. Courts convicted three people of sex trafficking, but only two received prison sentences. The State Department warned that weak sentences undermine accountability and may endanger victims. It also raised concerns about prosecutors and judges lacking experience in cases involving psychological coercion, and about authorities treating forced child begging as parental neglect or abuse rather than trafficking.
Authorities identified 13 victims in 2025, including two women and 11 girls, all exploited sexually. Institutions and civil society organisations provided shelter, healthcare, counselling and legal assistance. However, limited resources, staffing shortages and few employment opportunities continue to hinder long-term recovery and reintegration. Kosova increased prevention funding to 15,000 euros from 3,550 euros in 2024.
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