Bulgaria will cooperate with North Macedonia in the fight against trafficking in human beings

The Council of Ministers adopted by decision a Draft protocol on cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia in the field of combating trafficking in human beings. The project will serve as a basis for negotiations between the two countries to sign a final document. The Protocol will contribute to a more successful countering of trafficking in human beings in the region, the exchange of good practices and, above all, more effective support and care for potential victims of trafficking.

The cooperation between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia is in line with the priorities set by the Bulgarian Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2018, the European Commission in its strategy for accelerated integration of the Western Balkans and the priorities of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The project provides for the scope of cooperation to include issues related to the identification, referral, protection and voluntary return of victims or potential victims of trafficking in human beings. It is necessary to improve effectiveness in preventing and combating all forms of trafficking in human beings by increasing the exchange of information between competent authorities of both countries in order to help identify, protect and refer victims and potential victims of trafficking in human beings; joint public awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking in human beings, especially child trafficking, and joint action to uncover new trends in human trafficking and the establishment of adequate response mechanisms.

The project envisages that the competent monitoring bodies for the implementation of the Protocol to be - the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings by the Republic of Bulgaria and the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration by the Republic of North Macedonia.