Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović stated that Montenegro is actively enhancing its systemic response to the issues surrounding human trafficking during the opening of a workshop focused on the recommendations from the Special Representative and Coordinator of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, highlighting the importance of strengthening preventative measures in the context of mass migration flows.

This information was released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) today.

Emphasizing the challenges this issue presents for Montenegro and broader Europe, Šaranović noted that the workshop serves as a crucial platform to underline the significance of a multidisciplinary strategy while also addressing the heightened vulnerability of individuals within mixed migration streams, particularly those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

“Montenegro was among the first nations to open its borders to Ukrainian refugees following the onset of the conflict, reflecting the ongoing solidarity Montenegro has exhibited since the 1990s wars. The temporary protection mechanism was swiftly activated, providing a robust legal framework for integrating individuals from Ukraine and affirming Montenegro’s commitment to an open-door policy that ensures safety for everyone who chooses to stay,” noted the Ministry of Interior in their statement.

The Ministry further elaborated that as the leading agency coordinating anti-human trafficking efforts, they have launched various preventative measures in collaboration with different institutions and organizations, especially focusing on issues related to sexual and labor exploitation.

“In line with OSCE recommendations, we have intensified campaigns to raise awareness regarding the dangers of human trafficking and the availability of support services. A toll-free hotline has also been established to facilitate reporting any suspicions of human trafficking,” the statement added.

According to the Ministry of Interior, these initiatives have led to increased awareness of the issue and enhanced preventative activities.

“Our dedication to achieving tangible results is reflected in the data from the previous year: the Police Directorate filed 16 criminal reports against 18 individuals, competent prosecutor’s offices issued 14 indictments against 25 individuals, and a total of 27 cases involving 48 defendants for human trafficking under Article 444 of Montenegro’s Criminal Code were processed in courts, with two resulting in final convictions and two ongoing in the Special Department of the High Court,” stated the Ministry of Interior.

The government department reiterated its commitment to combatting this grave violation of human rights by bolstering institutional capacities.

“The support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in drafting a new strategic document in this field is particularly vital, and following the European Commission’s feedback, it will be forwarded to the Government for approval,” highlighted the Ministry of Interior.

“I am confident that this event, which gathered key stakeholders along with the sharing of recommendations from the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, will provide a solid foundation for enhancing our collaborative response in the fight against human trafficking, ensuring the safety of those seeking refuge from Ukraine and guaranteeing that potential victims receive all necessary assistance and protection,” concluded Šaranović.

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