In November 2022,the Parliament of North Macedonia adopted the Law on State Compensation for Victims of Violent Crimes (the Law).
Open Gate /La Strada as main initiators of the Law on monetary compensation for victims of violent crimes, is satisfied that this Law has finally been adopted, which aims to provide compensation to victims as an initial solidarity aid from the state for their suffering, but also to prevent possible secondary victimization.
The Law enables adult and child victims of serious crimes, e.g., of trafficking, domestic violence, gender-based and sexual violence, to be compensated by the state scheme, based on solidarity, provided that the crime is reported to the police or public prosecution. The maximum amount of the compensation has been set to 5,000 euro. Victims under this Law have the right to be fully informed of their rights and procedure on obtaining compensation, to receive information in a language they understand, to enjoy protection of personal data and to appeal the decision on compensation.Also, the Law provides for the establishment of a Commission for victim compensation, which will decide in the first instance on receiving compensation and its amount.
From our experience, victims of trafficking are exposed to a range of physical, mental, economic and often sexual abuse. The exploitation they have suffered can lead to physical suffering and health problems, emotional trauma and loss of livelihoods. Enabling and easing access to compensation helps victims to recover as well as appropriately punishing and deterring human traffickers.
As a basis for this Law, was usedthe draft text of the law proposed by Open Gate/ La Strada in 2016, as well as other analyses, comparative and a feasibility study on the costs of the state fund. An multidisciplinary working group with representatives from several institutions and member of Open Gate worked on the drafting of the law, which advocated for access to justice for trafficked persons and the possibility of exercising the right to compensation.
For the past two years, Open Gate has lobbied for the adoption of the Law and assisted in the preparation of by-laws for effective implementation once passed.
From our experience, victims of trafficking are exposed to a range of physical, mental, economic and often sexual abuse. The exploitation they have suffered can lead to physical suffering and health problems, emotional trauma and loss of livelihood. Enabling and facilitating access to compensation helps victims recover, as does appropriate punishment and deterrence for traffickers.
With this law, for the first time, victims of human trafficking have been treated in a fair way, giving them the opportunity to receive monetary compensation that would allow them to reintegrate into society and carry out their daily life activities without obstacles.
Open Gate – La Strada will continue to work hard to enforce the law primarily by providing support to victims for compensation claims, information and active monitoring.
You can find the whole act at the following link.
