OSCE Special Representative supports establishing Ukranian co-ordinator to fight trafficking in human beings

KYIV, 4 July 2005 - The OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Helga Konrad, today supported the appointment of a national co-ordinator in Ukraine to fight human trafficking.

In Kyiv on a two-day visit, Ms Konrad said: "A National Co-ordinator is a much-needed institution in Ukraine. It is very important to have a high level official in charge of all activities in the fight against human trafficking."

The Special Representative will also take part in a meeting of anti-trafficking co-ordinators from the Balkans, Turkey, Poland and The Netherlands, as well as with Ukrainian governmental officials to help share experience in the field.

Organized by the Office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the meeting of experts will help the country set up a structure to combat human trafficking.