UNMASKING SHADOWS: ILLUMINATING BARRIERS AND TRANSFORMATIVE INTERVENTIONS IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR SOCIAL WORK ADVANCEMENT IN ALBANIA. A LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction. Human trafficking is a multifaceted and widespread problem that affects individuals across diverse demographics and intersects with other forms of oppression. This literature review delves into the prevalence of human trafficking in Albania and examines the barriers that impede efforts...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
State Institution of Science «Research and Practical Center of Preventive and Clinical Medicine» State Administrative Department
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Клінічна та профілактична медицина |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cp-medical.com/index.php/journal/article/view/547 |
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| Summary: | Introduction. Human trafficking is a multifaceted and widespread problem that affects individuals across diverse demographics and intersects with other forms of oppression. This literature review delves into the prevalence of human trafficking in Albania and examines the barriers that impede efforts to prevent it, protect its victims, and prosecute its perpetrators. The review also highlights interventions that can address the underlying causes of the problem.
Aim. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing interventions and challenges in the fight against human trafficking in Albania. By analysing academic studies, reports, and policy documents, the study evaluates the effectiveness and limitations of current strategies, identifies key barriers faced by stakeholders such as law enforcement, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and victim support services, and highlights gaps and areas for future research. This study was conducted as part of the GAJU 101/2022/S project and approved by the ethics committee under 008/2022.
Materials and methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple databases, including ProQuest and Taylor & Francis Online, supplemented by official reports from organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the U.S. Department of State. A total of 182 studies were initially retrieved, of which 43 were ultimately included in the review following abstract screening and eligibility assessments. The Covidence software was used for data screening, and Atlas.ti facilitated co-occurrence and code document analysis to explore patterns across the literature. Studies were categorized into themes such as state attributes of Albania, human rights, interventions, refugee crises, Roma minority issues, and the development of social work in Albania.
Results and discussion. The review identified several recurring challenges in combating human trafficking in Albania. These include bureaucratic delays, corruption, limited access to healthcare and support services, poverty, and socioeconomic inequality. Key interventions, such as awareness campaigns, rehabilitation services, cross-border cooperation, and gender-sensitive assistance, are addressed in varying capacities across the literature. However, the prevalence of labor exploitation, legal challenges, and underfunding of social services remain critical obstacles. Additionally, the Roma minority and refugee populations face specific vulnerabilities that exacerbate their risks of trafficking. The analysis also underscored the need for modernizing social services, improving coordination among stakeholders, and incorporating evidence-based policymaking into anti-trafficking strategies.
Conclusions. Human trafficking in Albania remains a multidimensional issue that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response. The study reveals significant barriers, such as corruption, legal system inefficiencies, and inadequate victim support services, which hinder the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts. Addressing these barriers through systematic collaboration and targeted interventions is essential to developing more effective prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies. Further primary and longitudinal research, along with comparative and intersectional studies, are recommended to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of future interventions. |
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| ISSN: | 2616-4868 |