Mapping Counter-Trafficking in Potential Migrant Crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a post-war country in transition with close proximity to the European Union, complex political structure, underdeveloped economy, high number of refugees and internally displaced persons, young migration management structure, porous borders and limited resources, has been struggling with the phenomenon of human trafficking for almost two decades now. The migratory movements through Bosnia and Herzegovina occurs against a background of ongoing challenges related to countering trafficking in persons (TIP). Significant percentage of migrants and refugees transiting may be vulnerable to potential exploitation and abuse along the route. That being said, to date, only few victims have been identified among migrants and refugees in countries along the Western Balkan route. This paper is based on desk review of BH TIP capacities in available key documents and current researches and qualitative survey conducted through interviews using qualitative questionnaire developed by authors of this paper. An online search was performed for all available documents related to trafficking in people. Key informants were selected, according to the areas of their expertise. Those were experts from following agencies/organizations: National coordinator's office for the fight against trafficking in human beings, Prosecutors' office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Service for Foreigners, NGO IFS EMMAUS, and Immigration Centre. Key informants were asked to talk about their respective roles in counter TIP activities, about their perception of the established counter human trafficking system, indicators of human trafficking and link with mixed migration flows, to list examples of good practices and barriers for better identification of victims and potential victims of trafficking.