States need to co-operate better to support social inclusion of trafficked persons, says OSCE Special Representative

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, addressed an expert seminar organized by the Polish Presidency of the European Union in Warsaw on 30 November 2011 on trafficking in human beings in the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.

Giammarinaro stressed that most of the OSCE participating States today are simultaneously countries of origin, transit and destination, and face the same problems. “Therefore, the EU and non-EU countries within the OSCE can learn from each other about best practices in combating trafficking while respecting the human rights of its victims,” she said.

The role of non-governmental organizations as essential partners of public authorities in the identification of trafficked persons should be recognized, she added.

The Special Representative welcomed the 2011 EU directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, and protecting its victims, which ensures unconditional assistance to victims before, during and after criminal proceedings. She also expressed hope that the 2004 EU directive on residence permits would be brought in line with the “forward-looking” human rights approach of the 2011 directive.

Giammarinaro said it is important to examine how all relevant EU legislation and policies, including on migration, affect the social vulnerability of migrants, the identification of victims, their safe return and their reintegration and social inclusion.

“Trafficked persons should have a real chance to rebuild their lives,” she said.

The expert seminar was attended by the Polish Under-Secretary of State of the Interior Ministry, and brought together experts engaged in combating human trafficking, including representatives of international organizations, governments and non-governmental organizations from the EU member states, such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, as well as Eastern Partnership countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.