Duration: September 2003 - September 2009

Implementer: Creative Associates International, Inc

Partners: Encompass
               Institute for Development Research Alternatives 
               Albanian National Training and
               Technical Assistance Resource Center

Geographical Focus: Northern, Central, and Southern Albania

Description:
This three-year project was renewed in September 2006 for an additional three years, to run until 2009. The program aims to provide a mechanism for increased cooperation among anti-trafficking NGOs, local government representatives and donors to reduce the number of trafficked persons in Albania and increase the number of victims successfully reintegrated into their communities. Accomplishing these objectives involves systematically increasing the capacity of local groups to combat the incidence and effects of trafficking, while facilitating increased collaboration among NGO, donor, and government communities.

Program Objectives:

• Coordinating (on national, district, and local levels) the contributions of the government of Albania, civil society, and international stakeholders to improve programs that discourage trafficking, assist and reintegrate the victims, and reduce re-trafficking;
•  Strengthening the quality and geographic distribution of prevention programs and victim assistance and reintegration services through the provision of grants;
• Consolidating data collection and analysis to increase the exchange of information and consensus building, while monitoring the development of Albania's trafficking prevention and assistance/reintegration programs.

Key Accomplishments:

• During the first three years of the project, 23 grants totaling approximately $2.1 million were awarded to support the prevention, victim reintegration, and capacity building activities of local and international NGOs and organizations working to better assist the Albanian society.
• 50,100 persons participated in trafficking prevention programs conducted by 15 NGOs in all 12 districts of Albania.
• A survey of a sampling of CAAHT grantee prevention program participants throughout the country showed that 84% of respondents reported that the activity addressed a specific message to them.
• Twenty-one participants of those who had taken an action, had identified a case at risk of being trafficked and had offered their help.
• 1,855 government officials trained, including training police in "child-friendly" interviewing techniques and introducing teachers to anti-trafficking and child protection issues and messages.
• 313 victims (women and children) received assistance and reintegration services by civil society.
• In the fourth grant competition, launched in spring 2007, 12 grants totaling $400,000 are foreseen to be awarded to support the prevention, victim reintegration, and capacity building activities of local and international NGOs and organizations working to better assist the Albanian society.
• Supported the creation of Prefect-led Regional Committees in the Fight Against Trafficking of Human Beings, based on an Administrative Order issued by the Prime Minister in June 2006, for each of the 12 districts in the country.  Provides ongoing technical support to the Regional Committees.
• Published "The State of Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Albania Annual Report", which outline anti-trafficking efforts by relevant organizations across Albania. 
  

To learn more about what CAAHT grantees are working on throughout the country, please visit the CAAHT website: http://www.caaht.com/.