OSCE Special Representative says ‘do the right thing’ and take ethical approach to combating human trafficking

VIENNA, 4 November 2014 – Ethical approaches in corporate codes of conduct, government procurement regulations and empowering workers are a key part of the struggle against modern-day slavery, said the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, today at the opening of the 14th Alliance against Trafficking in Persons conference in Vienna.

“Ethics are the wellspring from which humanity began to define what is fair and moral in human activity and more importantly, how we should treat each other,” Jarbussynova said.

The conference brings together senior government officials, national anti-trafficking co-ordinators and rapporteurs, representatives from international and non-governmental organizations, business groups and trade unions, as well as employers’ organizations and human rights groups. Speakers include Thomas Greminger, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Aleksandar Nikolić, State Secretary of Serbia’s Interior Ministry, Prince Zeid Ben Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Vladimir Garkun, Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee and William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization for Migration.

Participants will review and assess existing policies, focusing on the critical issue of the ethical treatment and protection of trafficked persons. They will highlight the responsibility of every actor involved in the identification, assistance and protection of trafficked persons to treat each one in a manner that avoids further harm or re-traumatization.

“Respecting the inherent dignity of each individual is a fundamental value at the core of what the OSCE represents,” Lamberto Zannier, OSCE Secretary General, said in his opening speech. “Thus we must remain alert to the human harm that could be caused through negligence and misconduct, and always be ready to assist the victims.”

The Alliance against Trafficking in Persons is a broad international forum initiated by the OSCE. It brings together regional, international and intergovernmental, as well as non-governmental organizations, to jointly prevent and combat human trafficking.