Helpline launched to support crime victims

TIRANA, June 16 – A 24-hour free telephone line, 116 006, has been set up and launched for victims of crime in Albania. This national helpline offers support and services to victims of crime, primarily victims and potential victims of trafficking, and is supported by UNODC as part of its continued partnership with the Office of the National Coordinator on Human Trafficking Issues. The ultimate goal of the helpline is to curb the number of trafficked women and children in Albania.
UNODC in close partnership with the Office of the National Coordinator on Human Trafficking Issues has examined all elements of the helpline, in particular the needs of the victims and the involvement of the local communities in the reporting of offenses. This approach was specifically adapted to ensure the sustainability of the helpline and to prioritize prevention over prosecution and protection.
Speaking on behalf of UNODC, the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Zineb Touimi-Benjelloun stated that the free helpline for victims of crime was a significant practical achievement. The line will be not only helping victims but also will become a tool in support of law enforcement agencies and researchers. It will assess the criminality rate as well as the performance of the police in addressing the reported cases. The Resident Coordinator noted that the UN believed that the new line would be synonymous with trust, ethics, advice and service.
UNODC in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior of Albania will be engaged in an active public awareness campaign basing on the premise that fight against human trafficking, drug trafficking and other forms of crime are critical issues impacting the overall situation in the country.