Survivors’ voices crucial for effective and gender-sensitive anti-trafficking strategies, say participants in OSCE/ODIHR event in Vienna
Multidisciplinary and gender-sensitive approaches reflecting the needs and voices of survivors of human trafficking were at the centre of discussions at a side event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU/TNTD) of the OSCE Secretariat during the 18th Alliance against Trafficking in Persons Conference in Vienna on 23 April 2018.
“Today, we are reminded of the necessity to work together not only to address the consequences of trafficking in human beings, but also to develop impactful solutions for prevention that incorporate the survivor and gender perspectives,” ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said in her welcome to conference participants.
Presenters at the side event highlighted the fact that trafficking in human beings, particularly for sexual exploitation, is gender-specific, as are its consequences, harms and recovery processes. The UNODC estimates that 71 per cent of detected trafficked persons are women and girls, and that women and girls account for 96 per cent of detected individuals trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
“Modern slavery is a brutal abuse of humanity, impacting millions across the globe,” said Kevin Hyland, the United Kingdom’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. “If we are to effectively combat this crime, it is crucial that we bring together leaders in the field who can share ideas and insights on what a victim-centred, gender-sensitive approach really looks like. I look forward to seeing what lessons can be learned from this important OSCE event.”
“Those of us who have survived the institution of prostitution are best placed to testify to its toxicity and to detail its harm and damage,” said Rachel Moran, European Co-ordinator of Space International. “Psychologists, trauma experts and other voices from the medical community are also a largely untapped resource in terms of the educational light they can shine on this issue. The harm of prostitution must be fully laid out, so that we can understand why the demand for it must never be tolerated.”
Other speakers included law enforcement officials from Spain and Georgia and representatives of the United Kingdom-based Helen Bamber Foundation. The event also featured a presentation of photographs of trafficking survivors and anti-trafficking leaders by the New Abolitionists Project.
Participants reaffirmed the significance of the OSCE participating States’ commitment recognizing the importance of the voice of victims in elaborating effective anti-trafficking strategies.