Prostitution in Kosovo is illegal, and can incur a prison sentence of up to sixty days.[1]The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria'sHIV Program inKosovo estimated there to be 5,037prostitutes in the country.[2] Many women turn toprostitution through poverty.[2]
There are report that prostitution has become a neworganised crime in Kosovo.[3]
Prior to theKosovo War following the2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, prostitution was limited to serving the needs of locals.[4]
Following the ceasefire and presence in the country of theUnited Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and other international organisations, the demand for prostitution soared. As well as women turning to prostitution voluntarily, some were trafficked fromMoldova,Bulgaria andUkraine.[4]
Amnesty International UK DirectorKate Allen is quoted as saying "Women and girls as young as 11 are being sold intosexual slavery in Kosovo and international peacekeepers are not only failing to stop it they are actively fuelling this despicable trade by themselves paying for sex from trafficked women."[4]
Head of theMitrovica based International Press Centre, Rade Negojevic, claimed Kosovo had become the world's biggestbrothel since the arrival of the international peacekeepers.[5]
In 2000, the UNMIK administration set up a Trafficking and Prostitution Police Unit with the intention combatingpimps, traffickers and organised crime. Measures against trafficking were included in the Interim Penal Code of Kosovo when it was drafted.[6]
The State Police Service reported in 2008 that prostitution was occurring in 694 bars, cafeteria and night clubs in Kosovo.[6]
Kosovo is mostly a destination country ( but also a source) for women and children subjected tosex trafficking. Most victims are internally trafficked for sexual exploitation. Traffickers recruit victims through false promises of marriage or employment offers in cafes, night-clubs, and restaurants. Many prostitutes, especially from foreign countries also come voluntarily to prostitute in Kosovo. Most sex trafficking victims in Kosovo are girls, with criminal groups which also force women or bring women fromMoldova,Romania,Serbia,Bulgaria,Ukraine,Albania and other European countries ( such as Russia) into prostitution. Women and girls are subjected to sex trafficking in private homes and apartments, night-clubs, andmassage parlors. Children used as dancers and escorts are vulnerable to sex trafficking. Traffickers subject Kosovo citizens that belong to minorities toforced prostitution throughout Europe. Economically marginalizedRoma,Ashkali, and Egyptians communities are vulnerable and used for sex trafficking. Government corruption creates an environment that enables some trafficking crimes. Several police officers, labor ministry employees, and other government officials have been charged with or convicted of trafficking crimes.[7]
Article 171 of the criminal code prohibits all forms of trafficking and prescribes punishments of five to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of up to €500,000. When sex trafficking offenses involve minors or a group of victims subjected to sex trafficking, the penalties increase to 15 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine. Article 231 prohibits taking sexual services from a trafficking victim.[7]
TheUnited States Department of StateOffice to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons ranks Kosovo as a 'Tier 2' country.[7]
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