OSCE Special Representatives on gender and human trafficking visit Kyrgyzstan

The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender Issues, Wendy Patten, and the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, are visiting Kyrgyzstan from 26 to 29 July 2011.

The joint visit of the two Special Representatives underscores the importance of women's empowerment in ending violence against women, preventing trafficking in human beings for sexual and labour exploitation, and ensuring women's full participation in reconciliation.

The Special Representatives will hold meetings with representatives of the government and of civil society in Bishkek. The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender Issues will also visit Osh.

The Lithuanian OSCE 2011 Chairmanship supports efforts to encourage all participating States to fully implement OSCE commitments on gender equality and combating trafficking in human beings.