OSCE Special Representative calls for enhanced partnership among international organizations and civil society to better tackle human trafficking

STRASBOURG, 13 September 2010 - Partnership among public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations is essential to effectively fight trafficking in human beings, said the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, addressing a high-level meeting at the Council of Europe today.

During the meeting of the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, Giammarinaro announced the plans to expand the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, a unique platform of over 40 partner organizations, to address more effectively the new features of trafficking.

"It is vital to join efforts in order to tackle the main problem we face nowadays," said Giammarinaro. "Today we are launching a broad discussion on expanding Alliance membership. A larger partnership is crucial to step up our anti-trafficking action, especially in the field of trafficking for labour exploitation, which to date has not been adequately addressed worldwide, shows a growing trend and affects many economic sectors, including agriculture, construction and domestic work."

Giammarinaro, who took part in a thematic debate on partnerships among international organizations active in the field of trafficking in human beings, placed strong emphasis on the importance of shared goals, thoroughly considered and tested recommendations, and direct and constructive feedback.

The OSCE has worked actively promoting multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder partnership in anti-trafficking action. The Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, established in 2004 and hosted by the Special Representative, is an informal forum for stronger co-operation for mutual benefit, based on shared goals and voluntary participation.