Albania

You are here

CRS in Albania

In the early 1990s, Albania emerged from decades of brutal communist dictatorship that left the country impoverished and isolated from the international community. In the years since, much progress has been made in establishing democratic governance structures and developing economically.  

While countries across Southeastern Europe have made significant progress over the past decade to combat trafficking in human beings, Albania continues to suffer from this scourge. In addition to being a source country for both transnational sex trafficking and forced labor, there have been signs of increased domestic trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation and begging. An estimated 120,000 women and children are trafficked through the Balkans annually, with Albania being a major route. And yet, in 2012, only 92 victims were identified by law enforcement personnel in Albania.  

Stats

People served: 5,156

Population: 3,047,987

Size: 11,100 sq. mi.; slightly smaller than Maryland

Our Partners

Become a Partner

CRS' History in Albania

Catholic Relief Services resumed working in Albania in 2014 after an 8-year absence from the country.  The primary objective is to work with Caritas Albania to build the capacity of the Government of Albania to implement its action plan to fight human trafficking. In 2015, at least 820 people will be benefiting from this project.

In early 2015, Southern Albania experienced historic floods that damaged houses and livelihoods of 15,000 people.  CRS helped Caritas Albania to provide immediate humanitarian relief to the most vulnerable, flood-affected families.