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What Do People in Bosnia & Herzegovina Think about Trafficking in Human Beings?

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) polled the public in several BiH towns to ask them how much they knew about the problem of human trafficking.

Some excerpts from the story:

Narcisa Gakovic, Architect, Sarajevo:

Trafficking in human beings is present in poor countries, countries in transition, where difficult material conditions and lack of education make victims vulnerable to trafficking, in their pursuit of a promised, better life. Most often, victims are forced into prostitution; their documents are taken away from them and their human rights violated.  The saddest thing is that they keep quiet and comply with their present situation. They are silent because they are afraid. We need to educate people, because we can fall victims to trafficking, as well.

Irmela Brkic, Journalist, Sarajevo:

Trafficking in human beings, especially in women and children, is a lucrative business today. Little is being said about it and even less is being done to combat it. Poor living conditions in BiH contribute to the number of victims and lead many to look for salvation in the false promises of traffickers. Of course, a big part of this problem is caused by human naivety. Trafficking in human beings is usually connected to prostitution, and our media only focus on that aspect of trafficking. Child abuse is not frequently reported, even tough, as I see it; it is a much bigger problem. 

For more information, read How Much Do You Know about Trafficking in Human Beings?