Minister of Labour and Social Policy Xhelal Bajrami announced Friday the opening of a new shelter home, the first state center for persons - victims of human trafficking.

Minister Bajrami told a press conference that the location of the facility, which was opened today, would not be disclosed. "The shelter is fully prepared to help the victims. They will be able to stay there for six months. In the meantime, efforts will be made a long-term solution for accommodation of victims to be found," he said.

The new shelter home will provide a safe environment, where victims can heal from their traumatic experiences and restore their hope and trust while making attempts to start a new life.

"Trafficking in human beings is a serious violation of human rights. Conducting a policy to fight this phenomenon should be seen as an element of democratic governance, based on the rule of law. One of the strategic goals of the government is to develop and advance the national policies to combat organised crime and to raise public awareness," Bajrami highlighted.

The number of human trafficking victims in Macedonia is decreased compared to previous years.

Speaking at the press conference, US Ambassador Philip Reeker said that Macedonia today was making an important step against human trafficking.

"Opening this shelter home, run by the government, was a project which was in development for four years," added Reeker calling the government to investigate, persecute, sentence and punish human traffickers.

According to estimations, 12 to 27 million people in the world are victims to human trafficking, the modern-day slave trade.