In its report after the third round of evaluation, the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) welcomed the improved legislative and anti-trafficking framework and policy in Bosnia but also called for enhanced implementation of that policy, especially access to justice and effective remedies for victims.

The report released Tuesday is based on a visit by this group of experts to the country in September last year and on information provided by the country's authorities and civil society.

It is stated that most of the 306 potential victims of human trafficking identified in the period 2017-2021 were children who were exploited for begging.

GRETA, therefore, calls on the authorities to step up work on the prevention of child trafficking and to provide adequate financial support to child support centres in this situation.

They say the number of criminal trials and convictions for trafficking remains low, “with perpetrators generally receiving sentences below the legal minimum.”