Kosovo trafficking rampant

2004-05-06 20:19

London - The trafficking of women and girls for sexual purposes continues in Kosovo, Amnesty International said on Thursday, calling the practice "a disgraceful human rights abuse".

The London-based human rights organisation acknowledged some positive measures had been taken, but said the international community was "responsible for the growth of a sex-industry based on the abuse of trafficked women".

"Women and girls are sold into slavery. They are threatened, beaten, raped and effectively imprisoned by their owners," Amnesty said in a statement released in London.

Women were trafficked into Kosovo predominantly from Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine, lured by the promise of a better life in the West, it said, although there was also trafficking of Kosovan women within the province.

"With clients including international police and troops, the girls and women are often too afraid to escape and the authorities are failing to help them," it said.

Amnesty cited reports that the number of establishments in Kosovo where trafficked women and girls may be exploited had increased from 18 in 1999 to more than 200 in 2003. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA