OSCE launches study looking into the nexus between terrorism and trafficking in human beings

VIENNA, 9 July 2021 - The OSCE launched today a research paper analysing intersections between terrorism and trafficking in human beings.

"Trafficking in Human Beings and Terrorism: Where and how they intersect" examines exploitative activities of terrorist groups through a human trafficking lens, and it analyzes a number of potential examples of trafficking conducted by terrorist groups. It also shows how existing anti-trafficking instruments can be leveraged to address trafficking practices by terrorist groups, and it provides insights into how to prevent trafficking of vulnerable adults and children targeted by terrorist groups.

“The intersection of trafficking and terrorism is a complex topic raising difficult but important questions around security, human rights, and international law,” said the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey in presenting the research. “The answers are not always black and white and can be uncomfortable at times, but must be addressed by governments if we want to achieve security and protect of human rights.”

The OSCE is committed to tackling human trafficking in all its forms regardless of whether it is committed by an individual perpetrator, an organized criminal network or terrorist groups.