Children Are for Loving, Not for Selling
Public awareness is essential to preventing human trafficking in North Macedonia, as an increasing number of children face the risk of trafficking and exploitation. Through this campaign, Open Gate seeks to remind the public and state institutions of their responsibility to address these issues. Particular attention is drawn to the exploitation of children, especially from the Roma population, who often endure severe circumstances such as forced begging, child marriages, and other exploitative practices.
A proactive approach is crucial: every sign of human trafficking must be reported. By working together, we can build a society where every child is free and protected from exploitation and abuse.
This campaign delivers key messages to the general public and children, focusing on the risks and dangers of human trafficking, the exploitation of children through begging, and preventive measures. It also promotes an accessible national helpline (0800 11111), which provides information, support, psychological counseling, and other services.
Real stories are shared on social media as part of the campaign to highlight the urgent need for action. This initiative is part of the project “Reaching out to street children”, financially supported by the OSCE Mission in Skopje.
Shanita is 11 years old. Her dream is to be a hairdresser. In the evening, they locked me in a room with Idriz, they told me that he would be my husband. I didn’t want to. My mother started beating me. Children on the street make fun of me and insult me with words I don’t understand. 71% of victims of human trafficking are female, and the most common form of exploitation is sexual exploitation and forced marriage Let’s restore the dream of every child. Be part of the story
Report to the SOS human trafficking helpline. 0800 11111
Philip is 8 years old. His dream is to be a basketball player.
Philip is beaten every day and forced to commit petty crimes.
Exploitation of children violates their rights to education, play, and safe childhood.
Let’s restore the dream of every child. Be part of the story.
Harman is 13 years old. His dream is to be a lawyer.
They didn’t let me go to school. They made me beg for 10 hours a day.
Children forced to beg to work long hours, suffer physical, mental, and verbal abuse, and are at very high risk of abuse.
Let’s restore the dream of every child. Be part of the story.
Report to the SOS human trafficking helpline 0800 11111
Renissa is 10 years old. Her dream is to be a doctor.
My parents married me off for money, and the family where I was, sold me again.
Child marriage exposes children to multiple types of exploitation, especially sexual
exploitation, begging, stealing, serving.
Let’s restore the dream of every child. Be part of the story.
Video made for the campaign
In our country, 76% of the identified victims were children aged 10 to 17 years.
Children are for loving, not for selling!
Let’s restore the dream of every child. Be part of the story.
Report to the SOS human trafficking helpline 0800 11111
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