The Aftermath of Human Trafficking: Exploring the Albanian Victims’ Return, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Challenges

Abstract

Since the collapse of communism in the 1990s, Albanian women and children have been increasingly trafficked in countries across Europe. While extensive literature addresses the organizational structure and the factors making human trafficking thrive, the experiences of victims of human trafficking upon their return to their home countries is a commonly underrepresented concern. This article addresses the present gap in research by exploring the rehabilitation and reintegration challenges faced by Albanian victims of sex trafficking and forced begging upon their return to Albania, as reflected by 15 professionals providing direct assistance to the victims. The fieldwork was conducted in three Albanian cities and all four organizations responsible for the rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficking victims in Albania participated in the study. Data from the interviews with practitioners indicate that most victims returned involuntarily to Albania. During the rehabilitation and reintegration process, victims encountered numerous challenges on individual, familial, social, economic, legal, and institutional levels. Findings suggest that following their return to Albania, victims are perplexed regarding their self-identity, face health problems, criminal prosecutions, familial exclusion, and stigmatization, and lack support in gaining economic independence, feeling safe, and accessing justice.

From voiceless to voicing: The communication empowerment of sex-trafficking survivors by using participatory video

“…However, the functioning of PV at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels could not fully suit the complex needs of sex-trafficking survivors (Rajaram & Tidball, 2018) as the integration is processual, and the ensuing challenges are also involved in social, economic, legal and institutional settings, more than on individual and familial aspects (Ramaj, 2021). Therefore, the potential of PV for empowerment should be based on the personalized needs of sex-trafficking survivors at the specified phase of integration.…”

Unsafe in a Safe Country: Evaluating the Support and Reintegration Challenges for Albanian Trafficking Victims within the Context of the UK’s “Safe Country” Designation

“…The experiences of individuals affected by trafficking and violence in Albania illuminate the complex realities behind statistical data and policy discussions. Recent research indicates a significant reluctance among victims to seek help or self-identify as trafficking victims, compounded by the challenges they face upon their return or during their integration into society (Ramaj, 2023). Many victims express fear of returning to Albania, apprehensive they will confront the same conditions that made them vulnerable to trafficking initially (US Department of State, 2023).…”

“…In Albania, victims of human trafficking often hesitate to seek help due to a combination of deep-seated fears, systemic barriers, and societal issues (Ramaj, 2023). The widespread fear of reprisals by traffickers, who may threaten the victims or their loved ones, serves as a major obstacle (Ramaj, 2023).…”

“…Human trafficking remains a critical human rights issue, exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit through coercion, deception, or fraud (Ramaj, 2023). Globally, it disproportionately affects women and children from less developed countries, with Albania identified as a significant source country for trafficking into Western Europe (U.S. Department of State, 2023b).…”

“…This necessitates a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the legal and institutional framework but also tackles the societal norms and barriers that perpetuate violence against women. Further research into these challenges and the effectiveness of current interventions is crucial for informing future policies and support mechanisms (Ramaj, 2023).…”