OSCE Project Co-ordinator supports the development of compensation schemes for the victims of trafficking in Ukraine

KYIV, 24 May 2007 - The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, in co-operation with the Academy of Prosecutors of Ukraine and the Academy of Judges of Ukraine, held an international conference on combating trafficking in human beings and compensating victims of trafficking in Kyiv today.

The conference was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian Government, law enforcement bodies, and the judiciary, international organisations and the NGO community.

"It is important to ensure that victims of trafficking have effective access to justice, as well as the possibility to obtain compensation for their suffering. We support Ukraine in fulfilling its commitments to enhance assistance provided to the victims of this horrible crime," said OSCE Project Co-ordinator James Schumaker.

A number of international experts presented their experiences in combating trafficking in human beings and the provision of compensation to victims in various OSCE participating States, including Germany, Italy, and USA. Representatives of the Ukrainian judiciary and law enforcement bodies also addressed the current trends, challenges and outlook in Ukraine in combating trafficking and supporting victims.

In addition to the exchange of experience and expert opinions, the conference also fostered networking among legal practitioners dealing with anti-trafficking cases throughout the country. "We are very happy to host this event working together with our partners from the Academy of Judges and to have this support from the OSCE," said Mykola Yakymchuk, First Vice Rector of the Academy of Prosecutors. "By promoting such productive dialogue between judges and prosecutors, I am sure we can better protect the interests of those who have been wronged."