Anti-trafficking platform is discussed at seminar focusing on Southeastern Europe (12/18/05)

Anti-trafficking platform is discussed at seminar focusing on Southeastern Europe

VIENNA - A platform that would facilitate data collection, monitoring and evaluation and enhance regional cooperation and coordination, was backed by the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Helga Konrad, at a major seminar on the issue on November 22.

Addressing a three-day event attended by over 100 national anti-trafficking coordinators and multi-agency project implementation teams from Southeastern European countries, Dr. Konrad urged participants to continue strengthening regional cooperation and to spur implementation of the respective national plans of action.

The event was organized by the International Center for Migration Policy Development, in cooperation with the OSCE Special Representative. Its main theme was the "Program for the Enhancement of Anti-Trafficking Responses in Southeastern Europe."

"An important outcome, which we hope will emerge from the discussions, will be the creation of a Regional Southeastern European Platform for National Anti-Trafficking Coordinators," said Dr. Konrad. "Such a platform would facilitate a system for data collection, monitoring, evaluation and enhancement of regional cooperation and coordination, as was suggested by several participating states."

She also discussed the host country's progress in combating trafficking in human beings with representatives from the relevant ministries, other state institutions and the international community, as well as civil society activists dealing with anti-trafficking issues.

The OSCE special representative commended the authorities and civil society for having developed a comprehensive action plan against the trafficking of children, which is expected to become operational as soon as possible.

However, Dr. Konrad also urged the host country to improve assistance and protection of national and foreign victims of trafficking.: "While efforts are underway to improve the prosecution of traffickers, the judiciary will have to ensure that the penalties reflect the severity of the crime," she said.

"In addition, significant efforts are necessary to further develop a special witness protection program for the victims of trafficking," Dr. Konrad added.

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