More women from Kosovo being trafficked.

Human trafficking is growing in Kosovo and, according to USAID Director in Kosovo, Ken Yamashita, the majority of victims are now women from Kosovo itself, reflecting the poverty and lack of options given to women in the country. A recent report by the International Organisation for Migration states that most of the victims of trafficking in Kosovo are between the ages of 14 and 30 and come from disadvantaged backgrounds with low levels of education. Organization official Enrico Ponziani said that women wish to leave their current situations because of low levels of income, fear of political instability and gender inequality. Because there are few legitimate migration opportunities they become prey to traffickers. Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi said that the government institutions in Kosovo are committed to fighting human trafficking and they will not only be attempting to assist victims, but also raise awareness in the wider community in an attempt to reduce demand.