Publications

This factsheet summarises the second edition of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Handbook “National Referral Mechanisms- Joining Efforts to Protect the Rights of Trafficked Persons”. The publication offers a practical guide for all professionals who are working in relation to National Referral Mechanisms (NRMs).

This paper explores the intersections between human trafficking and terrorism by analysing activities of terrorist groups through the lens of trafficking in human beings. Through a critical analysis of legal and policy regimes, the paper provides a comparative study of two crimes – human trafficking and terrorism – based on a series of illustrative examples collected from throughout the OSCE region. The outcome is a set of targeted recommendations to challenge the trafficking practices of terrorist groups by leveraging existing preventative and protective mechanisms in the anti-trafficking field. The intent of these recommendations is to support participating States in preventing the crime of trafficking by terrorist groups, hold the perpetrators fully accountable and protect victims.

This Occasional Paper highlights the importance of addressing the demand that fosters trafficking for sexual exploitation, in particular the exploitation of the prostitution of others. In doing so, it puts a spotlight on the role of demand in encouraging exploitation and causing harm to victims; outlines the scope of the international obligations and commitments of States to discourage demand; analyses the ways in which States have responded to these obligations and commitments in their criminal justice and prevention practices; and offers recommendations on how to better incorporate demand into national efforts. The primary aim of the paper is to support and enhance the implementation of State-led responses to demand.

This Occasional Paper is based on findings from a multi-method research project, including surveys, expert interviews, and expert group meetings carried out with participants from more than half of the OSCE’s participating States. By bringing together the voices of survivors, anti-trafficking experts, service providers, and law enforcement, this paper offers a comprehensive account of gender aspects in trafficking in human beings. It also provides a basis for discussion about possible ways to apply gender-sensitive approaches. The report, therefore, explores a range of gender aspects that are often not addressed in existing prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies.

This Report Update provides a short overview of the core values and unique methodology of the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, a recap of its projects and activities in 2020, and a preview of priority areas for 2021.

The publication describes the roles and responsibilities for national focal points for child victims of trafficking in response to the MC Decision 6/18 on Strengthening Efforts to Prevent and Combat Child Trafficking, including of Unaccompanied Minors. It provides an overview of prerequisites and essential conditions for such focal points to foster enhanced information exchange between countries, and an inventory of the tools and procedures they will need to co-ordinate.

Infosheet on prevention of trafficking in supply chains – what is the issue, what is OSCE’s approach, and what have we done?