OSCE Special Representative welcomes Romanian efforts to combat human trafficking, urges further improvements

BUCHAREST, 23 September 2009 - Eva Biaudet, the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, welcomed today Romania's recent efforts to combat human trafficking but said that authorities must ensure full implementation of anti-trafficking legislation and further improve the identification of victims, in particular children.

She welcomed the work of Romania's National Agency against Trafficking in Persons.

"Thanks to the work of this agency , we know that there were 1,240 victims identified in Romania in 2008," she said following a meeting with Romanian Justice Minister Catalin Marian Predoiu. "I am particularly worried that a significant portion of the identified victims were children, and that almost half of them were trafficked within Romania and mostly for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

"I therefore call on the authorities to ensure that combating exploitation and in particular child trafficking remains a priority."

Biaudet's visit was part of her office's preparations for a country assessment looking at Romania's efforts to combat human trafficking.

"This assessment aims to further share knowledge and best practices, to identify challenges and possible gaps in the national implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments. We are also finalizing an assessment on Spain, and I hope that both reports will help to strengthen the dialogue among all OSCE participating States about their responses to human trafficking," Biaudet said.

Predoiu said Romania prioritized combatting and especially preventing human trafficking, noting that the country has developed a coherent and long-lasting legislative framework in line with international and European standards and requirements.

"The adoption of the new criminal code is a very important step in this regard," he said. "It introduces new offences that protect the victims of trafficking, especially minors. We emphasize prevention as a way to fully protect potential victims."

Predoiu explained Romania uses legislation and enhanced co-operation between all actors to fight trafficking.

During her 22-24 September visit, Biaudet is meeting several senior officials from the ministries of labour, foreign affairs, health and education. She will also discuss co-operation and co-ordination in the field with the General Prosecutor and with representatives of Parliament and civil society.