OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings helps joint fight against child trafficking

VIENNA, 13 December 2005 - Reinforcing that the fight against child trafficking is a priority for the OSCE, the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings today in Vienna announced a new joint initiative to combat the issue.

In partnership with the Austrian Interior Ministry and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the OSCE Special Representative will help provide specialised training on interview and investigation techniques for law enforcement officers from 39 countries in an European Commission AGIS programme.

"Children are trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced into stealing and begging. There is evidence of children being crippled to earn more money," said Helga Konrad, the OSCE Special Representative. "Children are often criminalized instead of being properly assisted and protected."

Annually, up to two million children worldwide are subject to various forms of exploitation. Many of these children become victims of trafficking.

According to Ms Konrad, children are the most vulnerable part of society and easy targets for traffickers.

"Efforts to combat child trafficking have so far been insufficient due to an overall lack of specialised services for children," said the Special Representative.

The project will ensure that law enforcement authorities have the necessary specialised investigation skills to combat trafficking in children and will strengthen regional and international co-operation. A resource book identifying good practices and recommendations will be published.

A high-level conference on combating child trafficking, hosted by the OSCE and the Austrian Interior Minister, is planned for March 2006 in Vienna. The conference will encourage OSCE participating States to take a clear stand against child trafficking and provide recommendations for further action.