From roses to exploitation: The drama of children in nightlife

In the most frequented nightlife areas of Tirana, such as Blloku and Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, a concerning phenomenon has been identified involving the presence and exploitation of children.

According to prosecutor Alma Bramo, the operations carried out have revealed a complex reality, where children are both victims and a source of concern for nightlife environments. “There was an operation focused on children, on both sides of the coin,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Altin Hazizaj, head of Alo 116, provides disturbing details about how this exploitation scheme works. According to him, many children living in street situations are forced to meet specific financial quotas imposed by parents or other individuals.

“If previously the quota was around 200 lek, today it has reached 500 new lek. Children who fail to meet this amount are often not allowed to return home and are forced to stay outside during the night, sleeping in groups or hiding in various areas,” Hazizaj explains.

Another form of exploitation is directly linked to parents. According to investigations, they send children out late at night, mainly on weekends, to the city’s busiest areas. From 11:00 PM until the early hours of the morning, children remain on the streets selling roses, while parents often fathers leave the area.

Beyond selling, children are also used for other purposes. According to prosecutor Bramo, they are exploited as intermediaries to establish contacts between adults, collecting phone numbers or social media accounts in exchange for payment.

This phenomenon, well known to those who frequent the capital’s nightlife, remains a serious social and legal challenge. It highlights the need for stronger institutional intervention and greater societal awareness to protect children’s rights.

“KORÇA BOOM”