Financing the fight

The shelter’s funding comes from multiple sources. The government of North Macedonia contributes about a fifth of the costs, with the rest provided by international donors such as the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, which relies on voluntary contributions from Member States including Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. However, securing sustainable funding remains a persistent challenge for the shelter and for the broader fight against slavery.

“The work of the Fund is absolutely essential. Modern slavery and violence won’t go away on their own so Germany is proud to support the Fund’s efforts,” said Kevin Maass, Second Secretary, Embassy of Germany in Skopje, during the first-ever funding partner visit to a project supported by the Fund.

The UN Trust Fund plays a critical role in tackling contemporary forms of slavery globally. It channels resources from donors like Germany to organizations fighting slavery and aiding survivors. In 2024 alone, the Fund has helped more than 10,000 survivors through 44 grants in 35 countries.

“Human trafficking is a global crisis best fought with local solutions tailored to each region’s needs. The Fund provides seed money to grassroots organizations like Open Gate/La Strada, empowering them to offer critical assistance to survivors. But, the funding gap persists,” said Susan Coppedge, a Fund board member.

The North Macedonian government recognizes the challenges and has committed to broadening its support.

“A huge number of victims need our support, and the government is prepared to enlarge its capacity,” said Gjoko Velkovski, North Macedonia’s Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth. He reiterated the need to improve and implement laws and to continue working jointly with the other parties involved.

While financial support is vital, addressing trafficking also requires robust legal frameworks and consistent application of the law. A recent criminal court ruling sentenced 13 traffickers of a minor to below-minimum prison terms and denied the victim compensation, underscoring the gaps in legal enforcement.

“The government has implemented some laws, but judicial practices often fall short. Sentences for perpetrators are inconsistent, and victims face additional trauma due to inadequate support. Corruption and limited institutional capacities further complicate the fight against trafficking,” said Rajkovska of Open Gate/La Strada.

While financial and legal challenges remain, those fighting trafficking in North Macedonia see progress. Much of this progress is driven by national and international efforts.

The road ahead: ending child trafficking in North Macedonia

For girls like Morena, having a home and being surrounded by love has changed their lives.

“When I arrived, I didn’t know such a place existed. I didn’t believe in myself. I came to understand I could actually make a difference and help other girls who find themselves in the situation I was in before,” she said.

And Morena has plans. At 19, she no longer lives in the shelter, although she calls on its social workers whenever she feels the need. She is now married and back in school, hoping to become a chef.

Tears well up as Morena recalls her harrowing journey, but she quickly wipes them away. Her past may have shaped her, but it no longer defines her, and her eyes sparkle as she envisions a future shaped by hope and possibility.

* Morena is not her real name.

December 2 marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.