Albania: Trafficking in Person Mock Trial Exercise for Albanian law enforcement and justice practitioners 

12-14 December, 2023, Ohrid, North Macedonia, Officials from Albania successfully concluded a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mock Trial Exercise Program with  specific focus on combating trafficking in persons (TIP) and addressing a victim-centered approach.

This endeavor resulted from a collaborative partnership with the School of Magistrates of the Republic of Albania. In the course of this advanced program, these organizations effectively tackled the issue of human trafficking. The emphasis was on equipping law enforcement and judicial institutions with enhanced capabilities, with a particular focus on ensuring the proper consideration of victims' rights within the justice system.

The mock trial's methodology was crafted by drawing insights and recommendations from the UNODC's publication, "Analysis of Cases of Trafficking in Human Beings," a collaborative effort with stakeholders. This analytical approach offered a profound understanding of the local landscape, presenting practical lessons and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts. Through the utilization of real-life cases and experiences, participants in the mock trial were able to simulate legal proceedings, assuming various roles, including prosecutors, judges, defendants, victims, witnesses, and lawyers. This immersive experience provided a hands-on opportunity to navigate the complexities of human trafficking cases.

 

The inception of this mock trial training is a direct outcome of collaborative endeavors aimed at combating human trafficking and delivering justice to its victims. By imparting essential skills to diverse professionals through a structured program, the simulation effectively demonstrated the power of role-playing in tackling real-world challenges. This initiative not only addressed practical dilemmas but also played a crucial role in fortifying the regional response to human trafficking. In alignment with the UNODC's dedication to a future free of human trafficking and the protection of rights for all, this training serves as a significant stride towards creating a safer and more just world.

The activity was conducted within the framework of the “UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe" (2021-2024), implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling team  (HTMSS) and the UNODC Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe in the context of the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe.

The activity was financed by the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and contributed to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.