OSCE Representative urges regional anti-trafficking seminar to create better data-gathering arrangements

VIENNA, 23 November 2005 - A platform that would facilitate data collection, monitoring and evaluation and enhance regional co-operation and co-ordination, was backed by the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Dr. Helga Konrad at a major seminar on the issue yesterday.

Addressing a three-day event in Ohrid, attended by over 100 national anti-trafficking co-ordinators, and multi-agency project implementation teams from South-eastern European countries, Dr. Konrad urged participants to continue strengthening regional co-operation and to spur implementation of the respective national plans of action.

The event, which ends today, was organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, in co-operation with the OSCE Special Representative. Its main theme is the 'Programme for the Enhancement of Anti-trafficking Responses in South Eastern Europe'.

"An important outcome, which we hope will emerge from the discussions, will be the creation of a Regional South-Eastern European Platform for National Anti-trafficking Co-ordinators", said Dr. Konrad. "Such a platform would facilitate a system for data collection, monitoring, evaluation and enhancement of regional co-operation and co-ordination, 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.

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