OSCE Special Representative joins UN in marking the second World Day against Trafficking in Human Beings

MINSK, 30 July 2015 – Human trafficking is a violation of human rights and an offence to the dignity and integrity of its victims. We must focus our efforts to protecting the most vulnerable – especially children, said the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Madina Jarbussynova as she opened a high-level workshop in Minsk today to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Human Beings.

"Children are trafficked for any possible exploitative purpose and are a source of huge profits for their exploiters," said the Special Representative. "There has been an exponential growth in the use of the Internet and other information technologies by traffickers to recruit and exploit children."

Recalling the UN resolution that declared a World Day against Trafficking in Human Beings necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights", Jarbussynova said: "we should ensure that all child victims of trafficking are provided with access to justice and remedies, including the possibility of obtaining compensation, access to education and health care, and always taking into consideration the best interests of the child."

The two day workshop will be attended by high-level officials from Belarus and up to 18 other countries that make up the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking, as well as representatives of international organizations, international and local experts.