Extreme poverty forces children to be bread-winners

“We are all guilty,” says Rushit, referring to Seldin's death. “But no one is more [responsible] than the harsh economic situation in Kosovo.”

Riza Murati, who heads a section within Kosovo Police’s Directorate for Investigation of Trafficking with Human Beings, says that those living in poverty are particularly susceptible to trafficking and they are often reluctant to report it.

Mecini says that one of the contributing factors affecting the circumstances of many young women is the denial of property inheritance rights.

“My son sees me getting tired and understands our living conditions, so he is forced to come with me. He told me, ‘I’ll come help a little.’"

Nakia says she takes the children with her begging, because she hopes that people will be more merciful when they see her out with small children.