OSCE conference calls on participating States to establish reporting mechanisms to deal with human trafficking

VIENNA, 21 May 2007 - The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Eva Biaudet, said today countries needed to establish national reporting mechanisms to document the scope of human trafficking.

"Countries need to turn commitments given 10 years ago into concrete actions, and establish a reporting mechanism to identify the scope of human trafficking within their borders," said Eva Biaudet, speaking at an OSCE conference in Vienna that brought together more than 200 experts and government officials.

She was referring to the 1997 Hague Declaration, which outlined European guidelines for combating human trafficking, including the establishment of reporting mechanisms. Only a handful of the 56 OSCE participating States have so far established such monitoring systems.

"Without good information, the policy will not address the real problems. Perpetrators will not be arrested or convicted, and victims will not be helped," added Ms Biaudet.

Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, the OSCE Secretary General noted that none of the international organizations concerned could claim to have comprehensive and accurate data on human trafficking. "And countries themselves can provide even less in terms of a comprehensive picture of the extent of the crime occurring within their borders. Human trafficking can destroy our societies from within," he said.