OSCE Mission to Moldova trains police in human trafficking investigations

CHISINAU, 8 November 2010 - Police officers today began a training course in investigation of human trafficking cases at Moldova's Police Academy, supported by the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The five-day training course is the first of two programmes for 50 police officers, Police Academy professors and fourth-year students. The seminars focus on how to identify and interview victims and suspects and how to protect victims' rights during investigations. Improving international co-operation between Moldova, which is primarily a country of origin, and countries of destination is another priority.

"A pro-active approach and the respect of the rights of the victims are essential in the investigation of human trafficking cases," said Eugenia Benigni, Anti-Trafficking and Gender Adviser of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. "This approach reflects international standards and the OSCE concept that comprehensive security can be achieved only with respect for human rights."

During the seminar, British and Lithuanian experts will share internationally acknowledged models of investigative techniques and good practices for collecting evidence and interviewing victims.

The training course is part of an OSCE Mission programme to fight human trafficking and improve gender equality. This programme includes work to improve the prevention, protection and prosecution aspects of efforts to combat human trafficking, domestic violence and gender-based discrimination.