OSCE Mission helps Georgia develop National Action Plan to combat human trafficking

TBILISI, 11 November 2004 - The OSCE Mission to Georgia is boosting the country's fight against human trafficking by helping the government develop an Action Plan, which is set for completion at a conference starting today.

Key ministry officials and heads of anti-trafficking agencies will draft an updated version of the Action Plan at the two-day event, supported by the Mission and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

"The international fight against human trafficking remains an OSCE priority," said the Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Roy Reeve.

"We hope the Georgian government and civil society will come up with a robust strategy to tackle this complex issue effectively."

The conference will pull together the results of five working groups on prevention of trafficking, prosecution of perpetrators ,illegal migration, victim protection and rehabilitation and international co-operation. In preparation for the draft, the Mission supported the working groups through its implementing partner, the Georgian NGO, People's Harmonious Development Society.

"Trafficking in human beings is a complex human rights issue, which affects virtually all OSCE States either as countries of origin, transit or destination," Ambassador Reeve said.

"By adopting and implementing a realistic plan against trafficking, Georgia will demonstrate its adherence to its international commitments in the field of human rights and democratization."