Immigration regulations and law enforcement action in OSCE area should consider the wellbeing and social inclusion of trafficked persons, says OSCE Special Representative

HAIFA, Israel, 20 May 2012 – Speaking today at an international workshop on human trafficking in Israel, the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, underlined that victims of trafficking are subjected to multiple violations of human rights.

“Violations of their rights include damage to their physical and psychological health and severe restriction of their freedom of choice; some form of discrimination is always involved and economic and social rights are denied,” said Giammarinaro. “Every immigration regulation or law enforcement action should consider the wellbeing and social inclusion of trafficked persons as essential criteria to evaluate effectiveness.”

The international workshop, entitled Profiles of Trafficking: Patterns, Populations and Policies was organized at the Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center, under the auspices of MASHAV – Israel's Agency for International Cooperation Development, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice, and the US Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Giammarinaro will also meet with the Israeli National Anti-Trafficking Co-ordinator, the Director of MASHAV, the Head of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee for Anti Trafficking in Women, as well as other senior public officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Interior, and Social Affairs and Social Services.

Giammarinaro will discuss Israel’s experience in tackling modern-day slavery as well as opportunities for future co-operation. She will also visit shelters for trafficked persons.