OSCE Special Representative, on follow-up visit to UK, calls for monitoring human rights impact of anti-trafficking and migration policy

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, emphasized the protection of human rights of trafficked persons at an event on 28 May 2012 in London jointly organized with the UK Home Office, and with the participation of Damian Green, UK Minister of State for Immigration.

The conference, which follows on her report and recommendations resulting from her visit to the UK in 2011, brings together the main actors in the fight against human trafficking, including senior public officials, non-governmental organizations, trade unions, academia and international organizations.

"The UK has been committed to the eradication of modern-day slavery, and is today a major player at the European level in this struggle. The results of anti-trafficking action are visible in this country. However, we need to further enhance the identification and support of trafficked persons, and their access to justice," said Giammarinaro.

“I call on the UK to pave the way toward the establishment of appropriate methodology to monitor and evaluate the impact of anti-trafficking and other related policies on the human rights of trafficked persons," she emphasized, adding that the priorities of migration and labour market policies are not always conducive to protecting human rights, and could even increase the social vulnerability of victims and potential victims.

Giammarinaro, who commended the UK authorities for following up on her first visit by agreeing to publish the report recommendations and to co-organize today's event, also stressed the contribution of NGOs and civil society as crucial partners in combating modern-day slavery. She in particular highlighted the role of NGOs not only in victim identification and protection of victims’ rights, but also as partners in the development of policy responses.