COUNTRY EXPERT REPORTS
Country Expert Reports specializing in Western Balkans
We provide experts reports for Balkans region specializing in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia (Presheva Valley).
We cover all areas including:
Political parties, political rights, democratic institutionalization, NGOs. Expertise on blood feud, honour crimes, human trafficking, modern slavery, risks from the mafia, human and political rights abuse, opposition and political persecution, risk of return and of brutal and degrading treatment and torture and document authentication. Our International Lawyer with 20 years experience provides expert reports for Western Balkans, specializing in Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia.
Gjakmarrja = Blood Feud in Countries populated by Albanians
The blood feud in Albania dates before the creation of the states of Albania and Kosovo and is well embedded in the Albanian culture. In particular, the customary law applies to the Albanian society since 15th Century when the Kanun of Leke Dukagjini (the Code of Leke Dukagjini) was introduced.
Albania: Human trafficking
The US Department of State (USDS) in its 2020 Report writes:
‘As reported over the past five years, human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Albania, and traffickers exploit victims from Albania abroad. Traffickers exploit Albanian women and children in sex trafficking and forced labor within the country, especially during tourist season. Traffickers use false promises such as marriage or employment offers to force victims into sex trafficking. Children are commonly forced to beg or perform other types of compelled labor, such as selling small items. Traffickers exploit Albanian children, mainly from the Romani and Balkan-Egyptian communities, for seasonal work and forced begging. Isolated reports stated that traffickers exploit children through forced labor in cannabis fields in Albania, and some traffickers are likely involved in drug trafficking. Traffickers exploit Albanian victims in sex trafficking in countries across Europe, particularly Kosovo, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Norway, the Netherlands, and the UK. Albanian migrants who seek employment in Western Europe face forced labor and forced criminality, particularly in the UK. Foreign victims from European countries and the Philippines are exploited in sex trafficking and forced labor in Albania. Irregular migrants from Asia are employed as domestic workers by wealthy families and are vulnerable to domestic servitude. Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and African migrants transit Albania to reach Western Europe and are vulnerable to trafficking.
Albania: Honour Crimes/Forced marriages
The report on Albania published by Amnesty International in 2006 points out:
‘In Albania, in traditional marriages, as in many other societies, the woman is given (jep) in marriage by her father and is taken (merr) (sometimes literally) by her husband's family, with whom she will live. Her father's authority over her and his responsibility to protect her (and the family's "honour") are transferred to her husband. Marriages may be arranged, or sometimes forced, by her father or by her brothers.'
‘Women may also be considered as “violating family honour” by exercising the right to choose in marriage or by trying to leave an unwanted marriage; and they may be controlled through forced marriage, being punished for leaving or trying to leave an unwanted marriage, being forced to stay in an unwanted relationship...’
Fast, reliable and professional service
The Country expert report would be prepared usually within 20 working days, however, if you need the report sooner please contact us via e-mail.
International Lawyer
Your report will be prepared by an international lawyer who has academic publishing and published a book. Have an extensive experience working with migrants as well as seating in various boards as a trustee in England.