OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings encourages Italy to continue and enhance anti-trafficking efforts

ROME, 19 July 2013 -- The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, today highlighted the innovative aspects of the Italian model of anti-trafficking action at the conclusion of her country visit to Italy, praising efforts to assist victims in partnership with civil society.

“Italy has been at the forefront of anti-trafficking action since the end of the 1990s. I applaud the so-called social path that Italy has put in place for trafficking victims which allows them to access assistance regardless of co-operation with law enforcement or judicial authorities,” she said.

In her meetings she highlighted that Italy has a strong legacy with regard to anti-trafficking legislation and practice, in particular in the field of victim assistance and the prosecution of the crime: “What is needed now, is a renewed effort to apply the most innovative aspects of  Italian legislation and policy, such as unconditional assistance and social inclusion projects, and to put in place new measures to facilitate access to justice and compensation for exploited persons.”

During her visit, the Special Representative met with Pietro Grasso, President of the Senate; Laura Boldrini, President of the Chamber of Deputies; Emma Bonino, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Enrico Giovannini, Minister of Labour and Social Policies; Cecilia Guerra, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Policies who is in charge of the co-ordination of anti-trafficking activities;  Cécile Kyenge, Minister for Integration; the National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor;  and high-level representatives of the Italian Presidency, the Justice Ministry, the Interior Ministry and local authorities from across Italy.

Giammarinaro also held a joint meeting with district anti-mafia prosecutors and law enforcement agencies specialized in the fight against organized crime, labour inspections and economic crime. She also held a meeting with civil society organizations and trade unions and paid a visit to a Centre for Identification and Expulsion (CIE).  

The Special Representative called on the Italian authorities to re-launch co-ordination at the government level, and to establish a National Rapporteur. During her country visit, Giammarinaro spoke at a panel discussion on human trafficking organized by the President of the Chamber of Deputies and held a hearing with the Committees for Equal Opportunities and Security at the Senate’s Commission for Constitutional Affairs.

A report on the country visit, which will contain detailed recommendations, will be sent to the Italian authorities in the coming months.