Albanian Corruption Fuels Human Trafficking

Sali Berisha (file photo) (epa) June 26, 2006 -- Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said today widespread corruption in Albania's judicial system and government has exacerbated the country's human trafficking problem.

He also criticized law enforcement authorities for not tackling the problem adequately.


Human trafficking within Albania and the smuggling of Albanians to other countries has flourished since the end of communism in 1990 in the Balkan republic.


Berisha said Albania is determined to change its image and will increase funds for police efforts to stamp out the practice.


(AP)

U.S. Report On Global Human Rights

U.S. Report On Global Human Rights

Police in Moscow arrest human rights demonstrators on February 1 (courtesy photo)

THE RECORD ON RIGHTS: On March 8, the U.S. State Department issued its global report on human rights. According to the report, 15 years after the breakup of the Soviet Union, human rights are improving in many post-communist countries. But problems persist in others, it says, despite the worldwide explosion of information and Western efforts to spread democracy. (more)

For more detailed information, see:

Azerbaijan Cited For Political Harassment, Police Brutality
Child Labor, Human Trafficking Cited In U.S. Report On Afghanistan
U.S. Says China, Iran 'Most Systematic' Rights Violators
Human Rights Not A Priority In Central Asia, U.S. Report Says
U.S. Report Points To Serious Abuses In Iraq
Abuses In Chechnya, Centralized Power Cited In U.S Report On Russia
U.S. Says Serious Human Rights Violations Occurring In Iran



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