Children trafficking is taking alarming proportions

Children trafficking is one of the serious wounds of our society. Time and again there are made denouncements of the cruel exploitation of lots of children sent abroad either to be taken to the streets as beggars, or what is merciless for organ transplanting.

Recent case is that of the pregnant women in the district of Korça kidnapped by a group of bandits and sent to Thessaloniki to deliver their babies. The newly born babies fall into  the hands of these criminals in exchange of a ridiculous sum of money. This is a children trade, the destiny of whom depends on these kidnappers that can use them for different

reasons from their purchase to their severe exploitation. This recent case of girls sent to deliever the babies in Thessaloniki is especially shocking. It puts forth the issue of children trafficking in alarming proportions. This is not only an indicator of the extreme poverty, but also a humiliating disrespect of human dignity. It affects us all when we think of this terrible wound and for the bad destiny of these babies.

AHC has in several cases highlighted the duty of the authorities to show serious consideration to this issue, to stop criminal hands.

The foresaid case needs special attention. There are a lot of reasons to believe that the Albanian authorities will not be left alone and without support. Greek authorities will not hesitate to give their assistance to investigate this case, to put children traders under control.

The issue is socially tackled as well. The competent bodies must examine in field this case and provide the proper social assistance to the victims of the organized crime.

 09.09.2002