Fields of work

Combating trafficking in human beings

Black and white photograph of Italian carabinieri with two men in handcuffs.

All OSCE States are affected by trafficking in human beings, a complex, widespread and multi-faceted crime and human rights violation. The Organization has developed a broad portfolio of actions to fight against this crime.

Permanent Council Decision No. 557: OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings
This content is available in: English, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Русский, Español Decision / declaration

Permanent Council Decision No. 557: OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings

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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Black and white photograph of Italian carabinieri with two men in handcuffs.

Our challenge

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Trafficking in human beings is a modern form of slavery, exploiting vulnerable people for economic gain. It affects all OSCE participating States one way or another, is often of a cross-border nature and intersects with issues of fundamental rights and the rule of law, law enforcement and crime control, inequality and discrimination, corruption, economic deprivation and migration.

A comprehensive approach to trafficking in human beings requires a focus on bringing to justice those responsible for this crime, and on carrying out effective measures to prevent it, while maintaining a humanitarian and compassionate approach in rendering assistance to its victims.

Our action

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

Since trafficking in human beings cuts across all three OSCE dimensions, we use a multidisciplinary approach to combatting it. Our work in this field is guided by the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, which includes several core commitments for action made by the OSCE participating States at the national level, including human trafficking prevention and prosecution as well as victim protection.

Mandate

Our teams

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

The work done under the Action Plan is co-ordinated by the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings based in the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna. The Special Representative’s Office also provides technical assistance and capacity-building to participating States, undertakes research and helps develop policies on persistent and emerging trends in this field.

Our operations on the ground

Several field operations also work in this arena, co-ordinating their activities with the Special Representative’s Office. They help strengthen the capacity of national and local authorities, and civil society organizations, in preventing human trafficking; support prosecution efforts by training law enforcement agencies and other practitioners; and assist victims.

Presence in Albania

Established on 27 March 1997 with the mandate to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, and to consolidate democratic institutions.

Centre in Ashgabat

Set up on 23 July 1998, the Centre works on a broad array of security issues, from arms control to economic-environmental topics and human rights.

Programme Office in Astana

Established on 23 July 1998, the Office's work ranges from arms control and border management to economic-environmental issues and human rights.

Programme Office in Bishkek

Established on 23 July 1998, the Office works in all OSCE dimensions, including the economic-environmental, human and political aspects of security.

Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.

Programme Office in Dushanbe

Established on 1 December 1993, the Office works on activities ranging from arms control to disaster risk reduction, good governance and gender equality.

Mission to Montenegro

Established on 29 June 2006, the Mission assists Montenegro with its reform agenda and helps it further strengthen its democratic development.

Mission to Skopje

Established on 18 September 1992, the Mission’s key priorities are constructive inter-ethnic relations and the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement.

Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan

Active in the country since 1 July 2006, the Co-ordinator helps strengthen legislation and build institutional capacity in Uzbekistan.

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