OSCE representative encourages Belarus to work closer with NGOs to combat human trafficking
MINSK, 8 April 2008 - The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking, Eva Biaudet, encouraged the Belarus Government today to support NGOs working on protecting and assisting child victims of trafficking.
"In Belarus there are around twenty NGOs, and they need financial support from the State," said Biaudet, who is on a three-day official visit to Minsk.
"The national responsibility to fight human trafficking is measured by the State contribution and the involvement of civil society institutions. Only if they work together will the programmes to combat trafficking be successful."
During her visit, Biaudet will meet Foreign Minister Sergey Martynov, Interior Minister Vladimir Naumov, parliamentarians and NGO representatives. She will also participate in an international conference "Violence against children", take part in the opening of a film programme, "Cinema against Trafficking in Human Beings" launched by the OSCE Office in Minsk, and visit the International Centre on Migration.
The OSCE Representative said that her visit served the purpose of continuing a political dialogue with Belarus and intensifying the exchange of views on how to foster co-operation with non-governmental organizations working in OSCE-relevant fields.
She expressed interest in finding out more about the Belarus programme which aims to provide protection and rehabilitation for child victims. "I would also like to know how the authorities co-operate with NGOs, the main service providers. National ownership of combating human trafficking means that the government bears the final responsibility for providing assistance and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking," she said.
"Human trafficking is a crime which violates human rights. It deprives people of their freedom and fosters violence. When this crime is committed against children, the most vulnerable members of our society, its consequences stretch far into the future."