OSCE participating States and Asian Partners discuss AI and technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings

Representatives of OSCE participating States and Asian Partners for Co-operation gathered in Vienna today to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on trafficking in human beings.

The meeting of the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group (APCG), held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Human Security: Combating Technology-Facilitated Trafficking in Human Beings across Asia and the OSCE Region,” was chaired by Finland, in its capacity as Chair of the APCG, and co-organized with the Republic of Korea. 

Building on recent international efforts to address technology-facilitated trafficking in persons, including the launch of the Group of Friends for Combating Technology-Facilitated Trafficking in Persons by the Republic of Korea and UNODC at UN Headquarters in New York, the meeting drew on joint initiatives between the OSCE and the Bali Process, and between the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Council of Europe. These initiatives examined the opportunities, risks and human rights implications of artificial intelligence in combating trafficking in human beings. It also underscored the added value of coordinated efforts among international and regional organisations, governments and other stakeholders to promote a more effective, comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing technology-facilitated trafficking.

Discussions focused on how emerging digital technologies are being exploited by traffickers to facilitate recruitment, overcome language barriers and expand criminal operations, including technology-facilitated forms of trafficking and forced criminality linked to cyber-enabled scams across the OSCE region and Asia. Participants explored practical law enforcement and policy responses, emphasizing that while technology can be misused by criminal networks, it can also serve as a powerful tool for prevention, investigation, financial tracing and victim identification.

“The OSCE remains committed to working alongside its participating States and its Asian Partners for Co-operation to combat trafficking in human beings, and to safeguard human dignity and security in the digital age,” underlined Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General.

Ambassador Outi Hyvärinen, Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE, stressed that “Our response to technology-facilitated trafficking should be rooted in a human security approach that places the rights, dignity and agency of victims and survivors at its core. It must be supported by robust legal frameworks, international co-operation, safeguards for fundamental rights, and investments in digital literacy and resilience.”

“Artificial intelligence is transforming our societies faster than any technology before. Criminal networks now use generative AI to reach thousands of potential victims across boundaries. I hope the hard lessons that the Republic of Korea has learned in this field will help strengthen the OSCE’s capacity to combat trafficking in persons in the age of AI,” said Ambassador Sang-wook Ham, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the OSCE.

The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group includes Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The Asian Partnership provides a platform for dialogue, joint activities, and the exchange of experiences and best practices, fostering closer co‑operation and building synergies between the OSCE region and Asia.