OSCE Deputy Co-ordinator, in Berlin, marks European anti-trafficking day and welcomes Germany’s efforts to protect victims’ rights
BERLIN, 15 October 2015 – The OSCE Deputy Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ruth Freedom Pojman ahead of European Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October, today welcomed Germany’s initiative to bring the European Union anti-trafficking directive into law, a move which will strengthen the protection of victim’s rights and is also in line with OSCE commitments.
“We count on Germany’s continued leadership in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, not least as the incoming chairmanship of the OSCE,” Pojman said. “The OSCE and our Office are very much looking forward to working with the German authorities during 2016 and beyond.”
She said the Office intends to work with the Chairmanship on two major challenges: in identifying actual and potential victims of trafficking among asylum seekers, as well as providing for their adequate protection; and in preventing and combating trafficking in supply chains in the private sector, especially through government procurement regulations.
She welcomed Germany’s efforts on the global level on responsible supply chains, such as its initiative at this year’s G7 meeting in Elmau.
“I am especially glad to see the direct practical outcome of this commitment, namely the ‘Vision Zero Fund,’ supported by Germany, which can contribute concretely to efforts to prevent the trafficking and exploitation of workers across global supply chains,” she said.
The Deputy Co-ordinator gave the opening address at the KOK German NGO Network against Trafficking in Human Beings Symposium in Berlin which marked ten years of the European Convention against Human Trafficking. The event also marks European Anti-Trafficking Day, which is officially held annually on 18 October.
“As we remember all trafficking victims, the OSCE remains firmly committed to working with all partners, especially the Council of Europe, the German government and the KOK NGO Network to prevent and combat this scourge,” the Deputy Co-ordinator said.
This high level of collaboration illustrates the thematic, political and geographical synergy between the OSCE and its partners, and underlines co-operation on promoting the OSCE’s anti-trafficking commitments.
“We value the important role that KOK is playing, which is a good example of a co-ordination mechanism that deals with all forms of human trafficking,” she added.
Pojman also stressed the importance of providing justice for victims, including applying the non-punishment principle and ensuring compensation for any wages lost during the process of trafficking and exploitation.