Recommendation 4

HM Government Accepted

accordance with our international obligations. latest available country of origin information. This is based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Our country policy and information notes (CPINs) are published on the gov.uk website. They are thematic, based on common claim types received in the UK and our general position on each claim type is set out within them. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically. The Committee will appreciate there will be factors and specific vulnerabilities relating to claims from Albanian women which are not apparent in claims from Albanian men and which may increase their risk of persecution upon return, which is therefore reflected in the overall grant rate. The country guidance case law TD and AD (Trafficked women) CG [2016] UKUT 92 (IAC) sets out approach to consider claims in relation to Albanian female victims of trafficking. This outlines the risk of return and availability of sufficiency of protection and internal relocation in Albania. We are continuing to work with relevant stakeholders and colleagues (including but not limited to the Modern Slavery Unit and the Illegal Migration Operational Command Centre in the Home Office, as well as FCDO, and the British Embassy in Tirana to ensure we are continuing to deliver modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) commitments as listed in the Joint Communique. We are working with the Government of Albania to deliver the “New Perspectives” project in Kukës and to be extended to Dibra (Peshkopi) which aims to provide social and economic opportunities to vulnerable communities (both men and women) in the North of Albania, through activities such as training to increase the employability of people who lack skills, or connecting local businesses to finance institutions. The project adopts an inclusive approach to understanding and addressing key issues that influence the decisions of people and families to migrate illegally, and enhance their resilience to external pressures and empowers them to seize local economic and entrepreneurial opportunities. The project also addresses the corresponding social norms, communicates positively about opportunities, facilitates (young) people making informed life choices and promotes gender equality. In addition, the communication strategy of the Modern Slavery Fund Albania programme aims to bring about behavioural change and address fundamental root causes that enable trafficking, such as gender inequality, misperceptions of masculinity, social norms around domestic servitude and exploitation of children, child marriage, etc. It also includes comprehensive support services provided to women and girls victims of trafficking to recover from their trauma and reintegrate back into society. In collaborating in this way, we are ensuring we can regularly update relevant Country Policy and Information Notes (which provide information and guidance for asylum and human rights decision makers) to accurately reflect developments aimed at reducing risks posed to female victims of trafficking upon return.