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Unprecedented numbers of persons seeking refuge have arrived and continue arriving in many OSCE participating States to flee from immediate danger in Ukraine. While undertaking their challenging and perilous path in the hope for safety and help, these people, mostly women and children, can be exposed to trafficking for various purposes, including sexual and labour exploitation. To support governments already taking robust initial measures to welcome and assist people seeking refuge, the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings issued a set of recommendations. The recommendations contain guidance for immediate prevention measures and responses to pressing needs, and policy measures to prevent and mitigate vulnerabilities. They also look at longer-term challenges like integration into host communities.

The Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, in co-operation with the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, conducted an expert meeting on the role of independent National Rapporteurs or equivalent mechanisms in enhancing States’ anti-trafficking responses. The discussions from the meeting serve as a basis for this issue brief and recommendations to the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.