New mechanisms for combating trafficking in human beings needed, says OSCE special representative

BELGRADE, 26 May 2005 - The OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Helga Konrad, today called for a review of the mechanisms for combating human trafficking.

Speaking at a conference in Belgrade, organized by the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro, she said: "We are at the crossroads in our efforts. Despite progress, there is little evidence that we have succeeded in curbing this crime. Consequently we must reflect on this fact and use it to evaluate our strategies and efforts and improve them."

She also urged governments to institute measures, which would allow for the ceasing of assets of those convicted of trafficking human beings.

The conference brought together more than 100 governmental and non-governmental anti-trafficking practitioners and experts from many OSCE participating States.

They discussed models of victim identification and assistance and exchanged best practices of co-operation between State actors and civil society in protecting and promoting the rights of trafficked persons.

The event is part of the OSCE Mission's efforts to combat human trafficking by advocating the protection of the victims' human rights.

Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Head of the OSCE Mission, lauded the efforts made by the governments of Serbia and Montenegro in establishing a legal framework for the effective combating of this particular form of organized crime.

"Now it's fair to say that the police in Serbia have demonstrated the biggest development and leap forward," he said. "The Interior Ministry has also adopted necessary regulations for issuing so-called humanitarian residence permits for potential victims, putting the country in line with modern standards."

With the assistance of the international community, Serbia had also set up a unique agency tasked with initial identification of victims, assessing their needs and co-ordinating assistance, the Ambassador added.

Serbia's National Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking of Human beings, Dusan Zlokas, thanked the OSCE for the support it had given to the Serbian authorities in their efforts to identify and assist victims of human trafficking. It could serve as a good example for other countries in the region.