New OSCE representative on combating human trafficking outlines priorities

VIENNA, 9 November 2006 - Eva Biaudet, recently appointed the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, today called on the Organization's 56 participating States to strengthen the implementation of their commitments to combat human trafficking.

In her first speech to the OSCE's Permanent Council, Ms. Biaudet said the Organization is uniquely placed to battle trafficking because its participating States have made substantial political commitments to do so. She also underlined the crucial role individual countries play in this fight.

"It is the primary responsibility of the participating States to take action at the national level to establish a solid anti-trafficking legal framework in accordance with international standards," she said.

"And even that is not enough. We need to work towards creating an environment that is clearly hostile to trafficking in human beings, through prevention, prosecution or protection activities.

"A strong system of co-operation between the State bodies and non-governmental organizations contributes much towards ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that victims are assisted and compensated for harm suffered."

Ms. Biaudet outlined four priorities for 2007: translating knowledge into policy, improving strategic communication, building capacity and strengthening institutions, and reporting on human trafficking in the OSCE area.

She also said she would focus particularly on areas that have not yet received adequate attention, such as human trafficking for labour exploitation, links between migration and human trafficking and safe return or stay. A two-day OSCE high-level meeting, in the framework of the "Alliance against Trafficking in Persons", on trafficking for labour exploitation starts 16 November in Vienna.

Ms. Biaudet, a Finnish parliamentarian, was appointed Special Representative last month. The Permanent Council is the OSCE's main regular decision-making body.