A recent study by CeAnEx has found that Albanian women trafficked to the West Midlands
experience xenophobia from British people in addition to sexual abuse and physical violence
perpetrated by criminal gangs.
CeAnEx’s research was initiated by the Western Balkans Coordinator for the UK’s National Police
Chiefs Council and commissioned in conjunction with Greater Manchester, Norfolk and Sussex
Police Forces.
First-hand accounts of human trafficking from Albanian women
Eighteen Albanian women aged 18-35 living the West Midlands who are migrants and/or victims of
human trafficking to the UK were interviewed for the study.
Several of the women interviewed expressed anger about the portrayal of Albanian people in the UK
media. They dislike the stereotype of the violent Albanian gangster and the stories about Albanian
illegal migrants arriving in boats. Several women – particularly those who have been in the UK for a
long time – insist that this tarnishes them all. They insist they are not criminals, that they and most
of the Albanians arriving in the UK want jobs, to work hard and not be on benefits.
Xenophobic abuse, bullying and harassment
Three women mentioned hostility they have encountered from people in the UK when they
identified themselves as being from Albania. One woman described people backing away from her when she said she was Albanian; another recounted being bullied by young men in college after she told her story in a group discussion; another said she was harassed by a group of men who questioned her right to be in the country. All of these incidents involved people from other ethnic minorities in the UK.
Several participants believe that people from Albania are being unfairly targeted by the UK authorities, either as
criminals and/or illegal migrants crossing the English Channel in boats.
Participants also saw the UK media as being hostile to Albanians, promoting stereotypes of ruthless gangsters and benefit-loving illegal migrants.
Multiple drivers behind the exploitation of Albanian human trafficking victims
Modern slavery is a complex, rapidly-evolving global crime. CeAnEx’s research into Albanian women’s experiences cites poverty and corruption, women’s role in Albanian society, and organised crime activity as key drivers for victims being trafficked to the UK.
Please use the webform if you would like to more information on our work with nationality-specific
victims or if you would like to commission research from CeAnEx.
