OSCE Special Representative promotes role of partnerships at Human Trafficking Conference in Madrid

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, on 30 October 2015 in Madrid, highlighted the importance of partnerships among organizations and States in the fight against human trafficking.

“We are convinced that effective partnerships among organizations and across countries are vital for any concerted effort in the field of anti-trafficking,” Ambassador Jarbussynova said at the Santa Marta Group Human Trafficking Conference in the Spanish capital.

She outlined a number of the Office’s priorities, in particular responding to the current migration wave that has hit a number of participating States. The Special Representative said she is looking for ways to more effectively address trafficking, while safeguarding both state and human security.

“Acknowledging the importance of preventive actions, combating trafficking and exploitation should be addressed at the onset of a humanitarian response in every crisis situation,” the Special Representative said. “Priority should be given to addressing the basic needs of internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, irrespective of their legal status, in order to reduce human trafficking and exploitation.”

Among the Office’s other priorities, Ambassador Jarbussynova also highlighted strengthening the criminal justice response to trafficking, focusing on children and child welfare, conducting a survey to assess the implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments, enhancing the law enforcement response to trafficking with a major training initiative in Italy, and preventing trafficking for labour exploitation in supply chains.

The Santa Marta Group is a global alliance of international police chiefs and bishops working together with civil society to eradicate human trafficking – “an open wound on the body of contemporary society” in the words of Pope Francis, who endorsed the process.