OSCE Special Representative appeals to CIS representatives to fight human trafficking

VIENNA, 21 April 2005 - The OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Helga Konrad, today urged the Council of Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to join forces in combating trafficking in human beings.

She is taking part in a meeting in Minsk, where the CIS ministers are to discuss the implementation of interstate programs of joint action against trans-border crime. Human trafficking is one of the areas covered.

'Trafficking in persons has become one of the most globalized criminal businesses and no country is immune from it," said Helga Konrad. "As the remit of the OSCE covers countries of origin, transit and destination of human trafficking, it is well placed to tackle the problem transnationally. Cooperation between countries of origin and countries of destination at all levels is a must."

The Special Representative also said that governments often see the battle against illegal migration as their main priority.

She called upon the CIS States to adopt a victim-centred approach which is not only indispensable from a human rights perspective, but would also be a major contribution to curbing this crime.

"We need the political will to tackle the problem of human trafficking vigorously," said Helga Konrad.