Courts in BiH convicted 34 persons for human trafficking in 2019

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - After the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted in January, at the proposal of the Ministry of Security, a new Strategy for Combating Human Trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby unblocking significant US funds for assistance to BiH institutions, the Report on the situation in the field of human trafficking in BiH for 2019 was adopted yesterday, the Ministry of Security of BiH announced.

"The adoption of this report is a very important step for continuing the fight against human trafficking and implementing preventive measures based on the established situation in this area. The Ministry of Security of BiH, based on data obtained from prosecutor's offices, law enforcement agencies, social welfare centers, and non-governmental organizations, determined that 61 potential victims of human trafficking were identified in the said year.
For criminal offenses related to human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina last year, investigations were conducted against 48 persons, and 20 indictments were filed against 31 persons. During 2019, courts convicted 34 persons and imposed seven educational measures against minors. Twenty-four persons were sentenced to prison, one suspended sentence was imposed, and two fines were imposed. One measure of compulsory psychiatric treatment and custody in a health institution was also imposed," the statement said.

In the effective fight and full implementation of the Strategy, Bosnia and Herzegovina has full support from the US Embassy in Sarajevo and USAID, which have so far strongly encouraged the competent institutions in BiH to fight against human trafficking.