2020-21 Report of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings: Advancing new strategies to end exploitation

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2020-21 REPORT OF THE OSCE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE AND CO-ORDINATOR FOR COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS:

Advancing new strategies to end exploitation The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a pan-European security body whose 57 participating States span the geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Recognized as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE is a primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in its area. Its approach to security is unique in being both comprehensive and co-operative: comprehensive in that it deals with three dimensions of security – the human, the politico-military and the economic/environmental. It therefore addresses a wide range of security- related concerns, including human rights, arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counterterrorism and economic and environmental activities.

PARTICIPATING STATES: Albania | Andorra | Armenia | Austria | Azerbaijan | Belarus | Belgium | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Canada | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Georgia | Germany | Greece | Holy See | Hungary | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Kazakhstan | Kyrgyzstan | Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Moldova | Monaco | Mongolia | Montenegro | Netherlands | North Macedonia | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Russian Federation | San Marino | Serbia | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Tajikistan | Türkiye | Turkmenistan | Ukraine | United Kingdom | United States of America | Uzbekistan

ASIAN PARTNERS FOR CO-OPERATION: Afghanistan | Australia | Japan | Republic of Korea | Thailand

MEDITERRANEAN PARTNERS FOR CO-OPERATION: Algeria | Egypt | Israel | Jordan | Morocco | Tunisia

The materials in this publication are for general information purposes only, provided on an “as is” basis, without warranties of any kind, including fitness for any particular purpose. The OSCE, specifically, does not make any warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this publication. The views, findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the OSCE and/or its participating States. To the extent permitted by law, the OSCE does not accept any liability for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered, which may arise as a result of, or in connection with, the use of information contained in this publication.  3

2020-21 REPORT OF THE OSCE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE AND CO-ORDINATOR FOR COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS:

Advancing new strategies to end exploitation 4

978-92-9271-020-0

Published by the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co- ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Wallnerstr. 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria Tel: + 43 1 51436 6664 Fax: + 43 1 51436 6299 email: info-cthb@osce.org

© 2022 OSCE/Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Copyright: “All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may be freely used and copied for educational and other non- commercial purposes, provided that any such reproduction is accompanied by an acknowledgement of the OSCE/Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings as the source.”

Cite as: 2020-21 Report of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Design: Milan Novičić, MaxNova Creative

To access additional information on our work, please click on the words highlighted in blue throughout the text

Follow us online: twitter.com/@osce_cthb  5

Contents

Acronyms 6 Additional thematic priorities: 31 - Technology and Human Trafficking 31 Foreword 7 - Financial Investigations 33 Acknowledgements 8 - Examining The Nexus Between Human 34 Introduction from Special Representative 9 Trafficking and Terrorism - Addressing Child Trafficking 35 - Human Trafficking for the Removal of 36 Section 1 - Building Political 10 Organs Will to Combat Trafficking Section 3 - OSCE’s Field 37 - Special Representative’s Visits 10 - Leveraging Partnerships - Amplifying 13 Operations, Institutions and Impact Structures - Intensifying Synergies to Better Tackle 15 Field Operations: 37 Human Trafficking South-Eastern Europe: 38

- OSCE Presence in Albania 38 Section 2 - From Policy to 17 - OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina 39 Practice - OSCE Mission in Kosovo 41 Focus 1 - E  nding Impunity: Enhancing 17 - OSCE Mission to Montenegro 41 Prosecutions to Deliver Justice - OSCE Mission to Serbia 42 to Victims: - OSCE Mission to Skopje 43

- International and National Simulation- 19 Eastern Europe: 44 based Training Exercises - OSCE Mission to Moldova 44 - Equipping Investigators and Prosecutors - OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine 45 - Supporting the Judiciary 21 - OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to 47 22 Ukraine Focus 2 - C  onfronting Demand: Tackling 24 Central Asia: 47 a Root Cause of Trafficking in - OSCE Centre in Ashgabat 47 Human Beings: - OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek 48 - Tackling the Demand that fosters sexual 26 - OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe 48 exploitation - OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan 49 - Addressing the Demand fostering Labour 27 - OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan 50 Exploitation 27 OSCE Institutions and Structures 51 - Mitigating the Risks of THB in Supply Chains - Office for Democratic Institutions and 51 Focus 3 - T  he Gender Dimension of Human 28 Human Rights (ODIHR) - The Transnational Threats Department’s 53 Trafficking Strategic Police Matters Unit - Applying Gender-sensitive Approaches in 30 - Parliamentary Assembly of the 54 Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe 6

Acronyms

AECT Alliance Expert Co-ordination Team ODIHR Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ATU Autonomous Territorial Unit OMIK OSCE Mission in Kosovo CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women OSR/CTHB Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in CoESPU Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units Human Beings

CoE Council of Europe OSCE PA OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

CTHB Combating Trafficking in Human Beings PCU OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine

EJTN European Judicial Training Network POiD OSCE Program Office in Dushanabe

FIU Financial Investigation Unit PCUz OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan

GRETA Group of Experts on Action against SDG Sustainable Development Goal Trafficking in Human Beings SMM OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine HDIM Human Dimension Implementation Meeting SOP Standard Operating Procedures IAJ International Association of Judges SR/CTHB Special Representative and Co-ordinator for IAP International Association of Prosecutors Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

ICAT Inter-Agency Coordination Group against THB Trafficking in Human Beings Trafficking in Persons THB/LE Trafficking in Human Beings for the purposes ICMPD International Centre for Migration Policy of Labour Exploitation Development THB/OR Trafficking in Human Beings for Organ IDPs Internally Displaced Persons Removal

IJM International Justice Mission TNTD Transnational Threats Department

INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization TNTD/SPMU Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit IO International Organization

ToT Training of Trainers IOJT International Organization for Judicial Training UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees IOM International Organization for Migration

UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime MC Ministerial Council

UN OHCHR United Nations Office of the High NAGTRI U.S. National Attorneys General Training & Commissioner for Human Rights Research Institute

UNSC United Nations Security Council NGO Non-Governmental Organization

WHO World Health Organization NRM National Referral Mechanism  7

Foreword

Human trafficking is as embedded in our societies and economies as it has ever been. Its scale is growing, and so is its pervasiveness in our lives. Every day thousands of children and adults are exploited; $150 BLN are paid every year for goods and services produced by or extracted from trafficking victims; our criminal justice interventions are barely scratching the surface of this horrible crime, Helga Maria Schmid OSCE Secretary General resulting in widespread impunity for criminals profiting off the exploitation of their fellow humans.

Trafficking in human beings is a gross violation Trafficking in human beings is a stark example of why we of human rights which undermines the rule of need effective multilateralism: large, complex and common problems are better tackled together, with common law and democratic values, posing a significant strategies and multi-faced approaches. The OSCE’s agile security threat to States and their citizens. That mandate has great value for bringing together countries is why combating human trafficking remains a of origin, transit and destination in the design common priority for the OSCE. And given the complexity strategies to address all stages of the crime - from recruitment to exploitation, including in the online domain, and cross-dimensional nature of the problem, which is increasingly relevant and is forcing up to look for the OSCE is ideally placed to address it through innovative solutions. Utilized to the fullest, the OSCE’s its broad membership and its comprehensive comprehensive concept of security can help us confront and co-operative approach to security, which the structural aspects of our societies allowing trafficking allows us to work on hard security matters, on to thrive.

economic issues and on questions related to Governments, businesses, individuals - all have a collective human rights. responsibility to combat trafficking in all its form and ensure their purchases do not contribute to trafficking. The OSCE is striving to build a “whole of society” approach to combat trafficking – one where individual choices, company policies and State laws and practices all move in the same direction. Ending exploitation and trafficking in human beings is not the task of anti-trafficking practitioners alone, but of society at large. The OSCE is working to build that coalition, for a safe and free OSCE region. 8

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to Rudenko, Julia Rutz, Andrea Salvoni, Jeyran Shafiyeva, the Albanian and Swedish OSCE Chairs and to all OSCE Katharina Thon, Boris Topic, Alexander Trautrims, as participating States for their support of my Office, and for well as our short-term assistants, JPOs and interns who providing the political and financial backing necessary worked with us during over the past two years. for us to carry out our work and help the OSCE region effectively combat human trafficking. My thanks also go to Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to all our donors, relevant units within the OSCE Secretariat and other OSCE in particular the governments of Andorra, Austria, Cyprus, structures, particularly in the field, for their invaluable France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy and Monaco, support and cooperation. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. A special thanks also to Italy, Germany and the My warmest thanks go to my team. I feel honored to work United States of America for seconding staff to my Office: alongside such a dedicated group of passionate and your support is very much appreciated and reflected in the professional staff. They all have contributed to the rich efforts documented in the following pages. outputs over the last biennium, and I wish to thank each one of them: Tarana Baghirova, Radu Cucos, Alexandra Donskova-Huber, Evan Karr, Oleksandr Kyrylenko, Szilvia Okolicsanyi, Anne-Lise Robin, Lilia Rotoloni, Tetiana  9

Introduction

In response to these challenges, we increased our efforts, expanded our political guidance and technical assistance to governments, including with recommendations on States’ short-term response to COVID-19, and continued delivering on our programmatic mandate across the OSCE region. Our research and policy briefs focused on the most pressing challenges of the day, from combating the demand fueling trafficking to addressing the gendered nature of the crime, and our capacity building efforts expanded and evolved to meet emerging threats like technology-facilitated trafficking.

This Biennial Report aims to present our comprehensive Valiant Richey strategy to end trafficking, the priorities informing our OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator programmatic work, the efforts we made with governments for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and parliaments to help them design more effective laws and policies, and the impact we aim to achieve on the ground. The broad scope of our efforts reflects not only 2020 and 2021 posed unprecedented the hard work of our team, but also shows that our support challenges to modern society and public health, is in high demand.

stressing the economic and social cohesion of Over the past two years, I met with ministers and all our communities. parliaments, with victims and activists, with NGOs and service providers, with academics and bankers, with prosecutors and technology companies. The current At the onset of the pandemic, it was clear that while the situation is challenging – trafficking has never been so COVID-19 threat was universal, the negative consequences intertwined with our societies and economy as it is today. of the crisis would be disproportionally felt by the most It is hidden deep in supply chains and in plain sight in our vulnerable in our society. Victims of trafficking faced communities and in the digital sphere. Yet, I also see today exceptional danger as entrenched systems of exploitation a new and unprecedented level of attention among political were thrown into disarray and traffickers sought to leaders across the OSCE region. Something is changing, maintain their revenue through greater violence and new and what used to be a crime too often left to “experts” to forms of exploitation. Meanwhile, access to shelters deal with, is now increasingly seen a societal problem - as and other support structures was increasingly limited everyone’s problem. Everyone has a role to play to defeat it. at a time when need was at its greatest. Further, with As I look back on the past two years and think of the next increasing unemployment and pressure on social welfare ones, I believe we have a unique opportunity today. That of systems, vulnerable persons already living in precarious building safer and more resilient societies and economies, circumstances across the OSCE region experienced finally free from exploitation. Human trafficking remains higher risks of being swept into exploitative situations. an open wound in our world. It is time to prioritize the Human traffickers were already operating with impunity necessary political and financial resources to seriously and increasing their profit before the pandemic; COVID19 combat it, and to finally adopt strategies towards ending provided them with a whole new range of opportunities to it. It is not only possible, but necessary – to provide justice expand their operations. and freedom to the millions who still enjoy neither. 10 Biennial Report 2020/21

SECTION 1 Building Political Will to Combat Trafficking Ending trafficking is the responsibility of society at large. The OSR/CTHB is working to foster broad engagement and keep trafficking high on the political agenda to build an OSCE region finally free from exploitation.

OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey visiting a facility used for training by Central Office for Combating Illegal Employment (OCLTI) in Arcueil, France, 30 June 2021

Special Representative’s Visits will and support national authorities are country visits and other official visits. They offer a unique opportunity to Human trafficking is a huge challenge requiring strong provide advice and expertise, exchange good practices, commitment and investment from countries in order and consult relevant legislative, judicial, and executive to defeat it. This means developing laws and policies authorities, as well as to raise the political profile of anti- that reflect the current issues in the field, prioritizing the trafficking efforts in any given country. necessary resources for law enforcement, prosecution and judicial bodies to carry out their tasks, adequately funding After each country visit, the Special Representative identification, protection and assistance programmes for prepares a report highlighting the promising practices victims, and investing in prevention efforts commensurate of the country in question, existing challenges, and to the scale of exploitation. recommendations on areas where anti-trafficking policies and practices could be enhanced. These reports are One of the main tools the SR/CTHB has to foster political publicly available on the OSCE website. Section 1 11

Country Visits

20/21 In 2020 and 2021, country visits were conducted to: Bulgaria, France, Ireland, and Türkiye.

Other official visits were conducted to: Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Holy See, Italy, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

An online visit was conducted to: Finland.

Reports were published on visits from 2019 to: Georgia and Croatia.  12 Biennial Report 2020/21

Contribution from Contribution from France Finland

Dominique POTIER Venla ROTH Member of the French National Assembly, National Anti-trafficking Co-ordinator of Finland France

One of the laws I am most proud of is the 2017 There are different ways International Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law. For the first Organizations can support State authorities in time, it established a legally binding obligation strengthening their anti-trafficking response. for large companies to prepare and implement One that is rarely talked about, and yet is fundamental, is a vigilance plan, to identify and prevent serious raising the political profile of, and attention to, trafficking human rights violations resulting from the among high level officials. In September 2020, I organized company’s activities and from the activities of its a series of online meetings between the OSCE Special subsidiaries, subcontractors and suppliers. Representative and some key national interlocutors. In the course of two days, he met with the Minister of Foreign It is with laws like this that we can move the needle and Affairs, Minister of Interior and Minister of Justice, as well advance the protection of human rights in our globalized as with the Prosecutor General, the Non-Discrimination economies. To be truly effective and to finally eradicate Ombudsman and National Rapporteur on Trafficking and the forced and child labour, laws like this need to become the Deputy National Police Commissioner and government Anti- norm and be adopted in multiple countries. trafficking co-ordinator.

Since Valiant Richey’s visit to France as OSCE Special The visit was highly useful in that it provided the opportunity Representative in the summer of 2021, I have enjoyed a to discuss in depth a number of crucial matters, spanning constant and fruitful exchange with his Office and the from victim identification and assistance to successful Organization. In the OSCE, I have found a great platform to prosecution, technology, and financial investigations. These promote the French law and to encourage other countries to conversations with senior officials helped us place trafficking adopt similar approaches. I believe this is the frontier of the higher in the political agenda and give it the push needed to battle for human rights in the world, and I am delighted to further advance our efforts. have found in the OSCE a partner in promoting these efforts. Section 1 13

Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (centre), and Petya Nestorova, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings and Head of the Anti-trafficking Division of the Council of Europe (left), co-chairing the annual gathering of National Anti-trafficking Co-ordinators and Rapporteurs in Strasbourg, 15 November 2021 (OSCE)

Leveraging partnerships - year work-plans around six priorities areas, including addressing core drivers, ensuring a rights-based amplifying impact approach in CTHB, holding traffickers accountable, and discouraging the demand that fosters exploitation. Partnerships are a “force multiplier” to advance our goals, The OSR/CTHB actively supported the drafting and foster political will and trigger interventions adapted to the publication of the Plan of Action as well as Issue Briefs scale of the issue. They not only help build synergies and on the non-punishment principle, trafficking for the avoid duplication, they also ensure that our initiatives have purpose of forced labour, the role of public procurement a multiplier effect across the entire partnership network. in preventing trafficking, and trafficking for the purpose of organ removal, as well as an analytical review on the They are key to everything the OSR/CTHB undertakes, occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Palermo protocol. from large-scale capacity building initiatives to political advocacy. • Council of Europe (CoE). Our co-operation with the Council of Europe remained instrumental in developing • UN’s Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Trafficking complementary lines of action and co-ordinating our (ICAT). In 2020, the OSR/CTHB served a second year as efforts toward ending trafficking in human beings. co-chair of ICAT, the UN’s Inter-Agency Coordination The jointly-organized annual meeting of National Anti- Group Against Trafficking. By the end of 2020, ICAT Trafficking Co-ordinators and Rapporteurs or equivalent adopted its first Plan of Action which will guide multi- mechanisms represents a unique opportunity for high- 14 Biennial Report 2020/21

level country officials directly responsible for combating trafficking to exchange views on the ongoing trends and best practices in the field.

• In 2020-21, the OSR/CTHB enhanced engagement with Working with other regional entities, including: Parliaments - Co-operation with the European Union (EU) strengthened through contributions to the new EU anti-trafficking strategy and the review of the EU anti- trafficking directive. - In the same spirit of co-operation, the SR/CTHB delivered a speech on the role of the judiciary in combating human trafficking at the Heads of Supreme One of the most important stakeholders to Courts meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation foster political will and create change are Organization (SCO). parliaments. In 2020-2021, the SR/CTHB - The OSR/CTHB extensively contributed also to increased his engagement with elected the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) anti- bodies and officials, supporting them in trafficking strategy (including with a presentation to identifying crucial emerging challenges NATO’s Operations Policy Committee). in the field of trafficking and elaborating • The OSR/CTHB also intensified its exchanges with the comprehensive solutions. The SR/CTHB OSCE Field Operations and executive structures. These addressed the parliaments of Romania, the contacts are instrumental for strategic planning and United Kingdom, and Scotland on topics concrete activities such as workshops and conferences, including the impact of COVID on victims of or wider capacity-building activities like the national trafficking, and combating sexual exploitation simulation-based exercises in organized in 2021 in Albania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine. and technology-facilitated trafficking. During his official visits, the SR/CTHB also met with In 2022, a research on national minorities and trafficking member of parliament from Austria, Finland, in human beings will be jointly published by the OSR/ France, Spain, Sweden, and the United CTHB and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and States. Human Rights (ODIHR). It will offer empirical evidence on the vulnerability stemming from discrimination based on In parallel, the SR/CTHB strengthened race and ethnicity during and after the trafficking process. engagement with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA): he addressed the ad hoc OSCE PA working group on migration and conducted an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the deputy chair of that committee to assess the risks of trafficking among the migrant population transiting through the country. Section 1 15

Valiant Richey Margareta Cederfelt OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator Deputy Head of Delegation, President of the for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Intensifying Synergies to Better Tackle Human Trafficking

The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Margareta Cederfelt, and OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Valiant Richey, met numerous times over the past two years. On 19 November 2021, they conferred on how to build new synergies between parliaments and governments across the OSCE region to address trafficking and discussed ways to enhance political will to combat this heinous crime. The following is a summary of their exchange:

A much-needed co-operation Parliaments’ role in advancing the anti-trafficking agenda OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey: Margareta, Cederfelt: One of the most prominent issues in anti- great to connect with you again and recall our recent joint trafficking today is forced labour. I know it has been a initiatives, including the three-day visit to Bosnia and problem for a long time, but the challenges have evolved, Herzegovina to address the risks of trafficking in mixed especially in the area of labor recruitment. As something migration flows. Bringing a whole-of-OSCE approach is that occurs more and more online, it remains an open and crucial when addressing big challenges, and I thought the pressing issue in our societies. collaboration between the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) and my Office in 2021 was very fruitful in this regard. Fundamentally, this is about the misuse of people. As elected representatives we are accountable to our citizens, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and we need to do something. This is where the OSCE’s Margareta Cederfelt: I couldn’t agree more Val; it’s expertise can help us identify a way forward. I have read essential to foster co-operation between the governmental horrifying descriptions of forced labour and the treatment side of the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly. We are of victims, so for me this is a topic close to my heart. I also in the same OSCE family. We may bring different views feel that there is not enough public awareness of forced and perspectives, but when it comes to combating human labor because it’s still very much hidden in society. trafficking, it is essential that we co-operate to increase our effectiveness. Richey: Parliaments have a critical role in the fight against trafficking - that of law-making, while also monitoring what 16 Biennial Report 2020/21

OSCE SR Valiant Richey sharing views with OSCE PA OSCE PA President Margareta Cederfelt discussing with President Margareta Cederfelt OSCE SR Valiant Richey

governments are implementing. The first role is increasingly Richey: You are right, and unfortunately, there have been relevant today because we need new laws to keep up with cases where entities and governments have used the the evolving nature of trafficking. I am thinking for example excuse of combating trafficking for infringing upon personal about laws to prevent trafficking for forced labour in supply freedoms, and that, of course, is something that we don’t chains. But the oversight function is also crucial, when want to encourage either. Finding a balance there is hard; governments lack the motivation to ensure that laws are debate and dialogue is vital if we are going to succeed. fully implemented. In short, I think parliamentary action is at the heart of combating trafficking today. Human trafficking as a gender issue Addressing the misuse of technology Cederfelt: When we talk about trafficking in human beings, I think gender considerations are crucial - we need Richey: Another challenge is that criminals are using to include that perspective when we talk about human technology much better than we are. One of the topics trafficking. that my Office has focused on lately is how traffickers are misusing social media to exploit women and children, Richey: I agree entirely. We have done a lot of work on especially young girls. We have just published a paper on gender-based violence recently; it’s an issue that’s very policy analysis and what governments can do to confront important to me. In particular, we need men to take a this problem, and I believe it will be of interest to parliaments. stronger role in advocating for policies and action to It’s a complex but urgent issue: there is a pressing need for curb men’s violence against women. I feel we could find greater safety online. And for parliaments, it’s a relevant opportunities to collaborate in this area with the OSCE PA. issue because of the strong intersections with organized crime, technological development, fundamental freedoms, The growing scale of the problem and human rights. Cederfelt: Taking a step back, I’m concerned that human Cederfelt: Indeed, it is a critical issue. Technology trafficking is growing in Europe. We need to reverse the promotes progress and moves us forward, but we trend. cannot forget its dark side. We must limit the problems it creates, and we need a wide debate on this - an open Richey: The problem is indeed growing, and today is so and transparent discussion - because what do we actually intertwined with our economies and societies, that we mean with internet freedom? Is it freedom to do anything barely see it. That is why it’s so urgent that we collectively we want online or is it freedom from harm? How do we take steps toward its eradication. And that is also why I define it? Governments and parliaments should address strongly believe in fostering greater engagement with this together, and there is a need for a serious debate parliaments, to complement and scale-up governmental and for action. We need to broaden the discussion and efforts. foster freedom of expression while at the same time being careful not to facilitate human trafficking. I think this should Cederfelt: Let’s make this meeting a step forward. There be an earnest and transparent debate that should involve are many issues where we need collaborate on in 2022 and a diverse group of stakeholders (NGOs, companies, beyond, to build those synergies that will help us finally universities...). My biggest fear is that politics is several defeat trafficking. steps behind exploiters. Section 2 17

SECTION 2 / Focus 1 Ending Impunity: Enhancing Prosecution to Deliver Justice to Victims

POLICY

OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey delivering closing remarks at the 20th Alliance against Trafficking in Persons Conference, Vienna, 22 July 2020 There are an estimated 25 million victims of human trafficking in the world. Yet very few ever see their traffickers prosecuted and brought to justice. The NEWS RELEASE: States urged to triple no. impunity traffickers largely enjoy is a grave concern for the of prosecutions against human traffickers rule of law across our region, the security of our societies, within next 3 yrs as 20th Alliance and the safety of all our citizens. The current culture of conference ends. impunity must be replaced with a culture of justice. Action needed to reverse alarming fall in In 2020, OSR/CTHB launched a comprehensive and no. of prosecutions for #humantrafficking, ambitious strategy on prosecution, aimed at identifying said senior OSCE officials the main gaps and opportunities in this field, and at https://osce.org/cthb/457855 supporting OSCE participating States, particularly through #CTHB20 policy recommendations and capacity building.

The 20th OSCE Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons (20-22 July 2020) launched a renewed effort to increase the quantity and improve the quality of prosecutions. For three days, State representatives, survivors of trafficking in human beings, international and non-governmental organizations, and academic experts discussed challenges and opportunities to enhance the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking, as well as linkages between prosecution of offenders and protection of victims before, during and after criminal proceedings.  18 Biennial Report 2020/21

Identified Gaps

•  Lack of understanding •  Lack of and data on implementation of perpetrators is an a victim-centered impediment to the approach. WATCH the development of full conference effective prosecution •  Under-utilization of strategies. financial investigations tools, limited financial •  The complexity, cross- resources and length border and cross- of trials.

Recommended cutting nature of the crime poses numerous •  Reclassification of evidential issues to trafficking cases investigators and prosecutors. to minor offences, thereby leading to steps for action shorter sentences.

•  Expanding the use of •  Strengthening capacity specialized prosecutors building and training and police units, as across adjacent sectors well as multi-agency such as financial, cyber, co-operation and joint labour, migration, investigation teams. border police and social services. •  Advancing investigative techniques to carry •  Investing in new out “victim-less technology tools and prosecutions” relying proactive methods to more on evidence better detect offenders gathered using and victims. specialized investigative techniques, financial •  Filling research gaps investigations and and enhance data on technological tools. perpetrators.

•  Improving support and •  Promoting efforts protection to victims to hold the whole who come forward. trafficking chain accountable, including Download the users, facilitators, and conference legal entities which benefit from the crime. report Section 2 19

PRACTICE

International and National Over the course of one week, the exercise engaged over Simulation-based Training 40 participants from multi-agency teams from 6 OSCE Exercises Participating States. Participants from law enforcement, the judiciary, labour inspectorates, immigration authorities, public social services, NGOs, and lawyers practiced a Real Time Action – Real Life multi-disciplinary response to tackle complex cases of Impact human trafficking, while ensuring a victim-centered and human rights-based approach. The 2021 simulation also After a forced pause induced by the global COVID-19 introduced some new elements to better reflect current pandemic, the roll out of the OSCE’s ground-breaking trends in human trafficking including tackling online sexual training methodology continued. exploitation, which spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were also encouraged to promote better A second international simulation-based training focused judicial co-operation, for example by engaging EUROJUST on the Mediterranean region sought to enhance the in the context of the operation. capacity of participants to effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases among migrants and refugees in mixed migration flows.

The social path is an Day 2, @osce simulation at Adequate #support for important tool for @CoESPU_News #victims of #humantrafficking identification of #victims, is too often lacking. Victims with #civilsociety as first Collaboration between remain unaware of their responders. #LawEnforcement agencies is #rights or services at their critical when investigating cases disposal. Here, an NGO team interviews of #HumanTrafficking. a potential victim to confirm We train this by having the Here, a #socialworker prepares indications of #trafficking and criminal investigative teams, a victim for her meeting with provide support services. #FIU and #prosecutors work #asylum authorities. together to identify best strategies

Many OSCE participating States have subsequently and prosecutors, as well as NGOs, public social service embraced the simulation-based training methodology providers, labour inspectorates, asylum authorities, and and have launched a series of national exercises for lawyers had the chance to respond to real-time simulated their own authorities, in co-operation with local OSCE cases of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual and Field Operations and the OSR/CTHB. Representatives labour exploitation. For the first time, border guards were from criminal justice systems, including law enforcement included in some of these OSCE-facilitated exercises. 20 Biennial Report 2020/21

Contribution by Karly Church

NATIONAL EXERCISES Karly Church ROLLED OUT Crisis Intervention Counsellor at a regional support service for victims of human trafficking in Canada, and trafficking survivor

Albania Most victims never see justice after exploitation. I Kazakhstan believe that there are a few key strategies that can be Kyrgyzstan implemented to ignite change. Tajikistan One would be early detection and intervention which can start from Ukraine education and training. If law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, NGOs, and public service providers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify trafficking, they will have the information to identify trafficking, to truly understand the complexities of trafficking and the ability to implement appropriate interventions using trauma informed and victim-centered approaches. This could support more successful prosecutions of human trafficking as investigations will improve, and assistance for victims in navigating the judicial system will grow. A small suggestion would be the development of human trafficking-specific investigation units, human trafficking-specific prosecutors and the utilization of people with lived experience to assist with victim care and development of programming. Often times the testimony of a victim is the key evidence in a human WATCH the trafficking investigation. This can lead to re-traumatization and Kyrgyzstan National re-victimization, which can negatively impact the prosecution. I exercise Video believe that if a victim-centered approach is utilized from the initial identification of trafficking there could be an increase in convictions. In order to make this change possible, an evidence-based best practice model needs to be developed. Section 2 21

Training Initiatives: Improving the Use of Victim-Centered Approaches Expert Following the 20th Conference of the Alliance against Contribution Trafficking in Persons on enhancing the prosecution of human trafficking, OSR/CTHB launched bi-annual capacity building meetings to build strategic partnerships and help foster a more harmonized and co-ordinated approach in the field of CTHB-related training initiatives while also addressing gaps in global training efforts.

In 2020 and 2021, OSR/CTHB organized four such meetings, which gathered 29 international and regional organizations, networks and associations that focus on training. During these discussions, CTHB-related training initiatives and capacity building strategies to enhance judicial, prosecutorial, and investigative efforts in combating trafficking in human beings were addressed and best practices shared among the stakeholders. Participants highlighted that “non-legal aspects” of CTHB are often neglected in training with too little attention given Rahel Gershuni to victims’ rights and protection as well as appropriate Independent Expert ways of working with victims in order to avoid re- Just as the crime of murder protects the basic victimization, highlighting a key gap in training initiatives value of human life, and the crime of grievous for law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. injury protects the basic value of bodily integrity, the crime of Human Trafficking protects the Therefore, OSR/CTHB in close collaboration with fundamental values of #freedom, #autonomy and professional associations, international experts and #dignity, which society should not allow a person survivors of human trafficking organized a series of to waive.”Rahel Gershuni, Independent Expert, targeted activities to increase the ability of anti-trafficking speaking at the OSCE Roundtable ‘Building practitioners throughout the criminal justice system to stronger Human Trafficking cases: overcoming adopt victim centered approaches. challenges related to prosecution of THB cases through a #victim_centered approach.

Investigating and Prosecuting A victim-centered approach therefore aims to minimize Cases Effectively Using re-traumatization of victims associated with the criminal Victim-Centered Approaches processes by providing them with the required support and assistance, empowering survivors to engage in the A victim-centered, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed process, and by giving them the opportunity to play an approach to the identification and protection of victims and active role in seeing their traffickers brought to justice. the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking are cornerstones of any effective counter-trafficking response. In some countries, the concept of a victim-centered However, while it may seem obvious that the best interest approach is still unknown and not utilized, while in others it of the victim should be of utmost priority when prosecuting is noted as important but not necessarily fully implemented. a THB case, it is often not the reality. Victims of human trafficking often experience fear of disbelief, social and In both 2020 and 2021, with the support and co-sponsorship familial harm, and severe mental and physical health from the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), symptoms - recapping traumatic events repeatedly in front and in partnership with the U.S. National Attorneys General of different actors such as investigators, prosecutors and Training & Research Institute (NAGTRI) and supported judges triggers re-traumatization. 22 Biennial Report 2020/21

by the International Justice Mission (IJM) and Aequitas, OSR/CTHB conducted a global webinars series offering

Covered topics clarity and different perspectives on the importance of adopting a victim-centered approach. The webinars equipped criminal justice professionals—investigators and prosecutors— with the knowledge and the ability to better understand and apply victim-centered, trauma-informed, included gender-sensitive and human rights-based approaches to human trafficking.

On 8 and 9 November 2021, OSR/CTHB also hosted a Victim centered, gender-sensitive and •  roundtable discussion on effective prosecution strategies trauma informed approach to combating where prosecutors, law enforcement, lawyers, and experts trafficking in human beings in the field shared experiences and worked on a fictitious scenario involving labor trafficking. A mock trial was held, Victim Identification and Interviewing •  with participants serving as judges, prosecutors, and Protection and assistance • 

Using a victim-centered approach to • 

As a former investigating & prosecuting THB cases

prosecutor, I have Overcoming challenges related to victim •  consent in trafficking in human beings’ cases

listened to victims describing the harm defense attorneys. Applying victim-centered approaches to evidential issues around victim consent in law and

they experienced, practice. Participants emphasized the irrelevance of victim consent to exploitation and improved their skills to counter

heard their feelings consent-based defense arguments thus enhancing prosecution efforts in cases where victim consent is obtained by subtle forms of coercion such as through

of hopelessness and abuse of vulnerability.

their pleas for justice. Building Judicial Capacity to Address Trafficking in Human It is however not Beings

enough to listen to To ensure fair and effective adjudication of human trafficking cases, judges must be aware of the law and the

victims and survivors. social context of trafficking cases and have the skills to manage cases to ensure efficient processes. This includes

We must follow understanding trends and patterns in human trafficking cases, national and international legal principles, and frameworks as well as the best national and international with action. practices and lessons learned.

Valiant Richey, OSCE Special To help develop judicial capacity to handle trafficking Representative and Co-ordinator for cases, OSR/CTHB, in partnership with the European Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Judicial Training Network (EJTN), the International Section 2 23

Participants in the roundtable discussion ‘Building stronger trafficking cases: overcoming challenges related to prosecution of trafficking in human beings cases through a victim-centered approach,’ 8 November 2021, Vienna. (OSCE/Jennifer Geminiani) Why focusing on victims matters: first webinar Organization for Judicial Training (IOJT) and the series on victim-centered International Association of Judges (IAJ) hosted a series investigation and of capacity building initiatives. prosecution.

First, to assess the availability, frequency, and scope of October/November 2020 human trafficking-related trainings for the judiciary, as well as to identify topics of interest for trainings, OSR/ CTHB distributed a survey to the members of EJTN and IAJ. We received responses from over 67 judicial training academies and judges in OSCE participating States and Partners for Cooperation (including 18 from academies in Non-OSCE States in Africa, South, and South-east Asia, and Central and Latin America). The survey highlighted that 84% of judicial training academies in the OSCE region provide training on THB for judges, either within or outside regular curricula but that additional training is needed in relation to the legal framework; adjudication of THB cases; application of victim-centered approaches; international cooperation; and tech-facilitated THB.

OSCE Special In July 2021, more than 39 representatives from over 29 Representative for organizations met to discuss the outcomes of the survey Combating Trafficking and to identify opportunities to address the training gaps. in Human Beings Valiant Richey welcoming The meeting concluded with the recommendation to give the human trafficking due consideration to the development of a model skills- survivors contributing based training module on trafficking in human beings to the Second Webinar (THB) that judicial academies can adapt and integrate Series on Investigating into their national curricula. Currently, OSR/CTHB, in and Prosecuting Cases close collaboration with judicial associations as well as Effectively Using Victim- Centered Approaches international experts, is developing a training module that provides the judiciary with a fundamental understanding of CTHB and the soft skills necessary to effectively apply October/November 2021 victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches while securing adequate judicial responses to human trafficking. 24 Biennial Report 2020/21

SECTION 2 / Focus 2 Confronting Demand: Tackling a Root Cause of Trafficking in Human Beings

Trafficking in human beings is a financially motivated crime that has infected virtually every aspect of our society and If we want to economy, from agriculture and construction to technology and health care. defeat trafficking, Trafficking as a crime follows the basic rules of economics: human traffickers can meet consumer demand with goods we must stop paying for it. and services extracted from exploited persons. By creating such a lucrative market, demand provides traffickers with the financial motivation for pursing the crime

In 2021, the OSR/CTHB has focused on demand side of the problem to shift the focus from combating trafficking in human beings on a case-by-case basis and towards preventing it at the macro-level.

The financial scale of demand that fosters exploitation is vast and growing Tens of billions of dollars The market for goods and services which can be extracted from trafficked persons generates a massive incentive for in profits are generated by traffickers to identify and exploit new victims. Over the human trafficking. Every past fifteen years, the estimated profits from trafficking in human beings has risen fivefold. year. 95% are related to trafficking for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation Section 2 25

POLICY

Conference OSCE Special Representative Valiant Richey at the 21st OSCE in numbers Alliance Conference against Trafficking in Persons, 14 June 2021, Vienna. (OSCE)

3 days - 4 expert panels Many participating States have 6 virtual side-events and webinars begun introducing policies 871 registered participants from 56 countries and laws to discourage the demand that fosters 329 international and civil society organizations trafficking. In June 2021, over the course of three days, the 21st OSCE 236K single contacts on OSCE/CTHB Twitter Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons Conference page during conference aimed to increase knowledge of these policies and tools by putting a spotlight on addressing demand as a means of prevention – and specifically on discouraging the demand that fosters trafficking for the purposes of labour and Key Expert Conclusions sexual exploitation as a core, long-term strategy towards ending human trafficking.

1. M  ake demand a pillar of national anti- trafficking strategies and action plans.

2. Develop a holistic approach to discouraging demand.

3. Invest in prevention. Download the conference 4. D  evelop and implement legislation that report discourages demand. 26 Biennial Report 2020/21

PRACTICE Contribution by Tackling the Demand Diane Martin that Fosters Sexual Exploitation Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is the most common form of human trafficking within the OSCE region and generates nearly two-thirds of all profits from trafficking globally. The scale of this crime, as well as its unique gender and market characteristics, elevates the need for States to prioritize combating the demand that fosters sex trafficking within their prevention strategies.

Diane Martin WHILE $99 BILLION IS CBE – Survivor Leader and Vice Chair ISTAC (International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council) PAID ANNUALLY TO TRAFFICKERS, IT IS “We must address trafficking in a way that brings PAID BY USERS positive change for victims and society. We must also widen our focus to encompass all the ways women Shedding light on the importance of addressing the demand that fosters and girls are sexually exploited; recognizing the trafficking for sexual exploitation, irrefutable links between prostitution, sex trafficking in particular the exploitation of the and pornography. They are not just linked, they are one prostitution of others, in June 2021 entity that finds different expressions. the OSR/CTHB published Occa- sional Paper no.11 “Discouraging the demand that fosters trafficking It is demand that fuels and sustains these oppressive systems for the purpose of sexual exploita- and it is time to put the emphasis exactly where it belongs, on that tion”. demand. On the men creating the demand, profiting from it, and causing harm The report: and trauma, by renting the bodies of women and children; trafficked • highlights the role of demand in from other countries or fast tracked into prostitution in their own. encouraging exploitation and The more demand you have in a country, the bigger the sex trade. causing harm to victims; The bigger the sex trade, the larger the scale of sex trafficking. • analyses how States have re- Those of you who are leaders in your field are in unique positions of sponded to international obli- power. I was paid for and hurt by men who abused their considerable gations and commitments to power and position; who felt entitled to do whatever they wanted discourage demand; • and offers recommendations on with no accountability. And they did. how to better incorporate demand The modus operandi of pimps and traffickers and the lengths to into national efforts to combat which sex buyers will go to get what they want, even in a pandemic, trafficking. knows no boundaries, and neither must we. Together internationally, we must comply with our legal obligations to suppress and eradicate the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. Access Listen to survivors and examine the strong evidence base that The Full favours an ‘end demand’ approach. Research STAND with us, SPEAK out and TAKE action!” Section 2 27

Addressing the Demand Mitigating the Risks of Fostering Trafficking for THB in Supply Chains Forced Labour OSCE EFFORTS: THREE PILLARS OF ACTIONS Trafficking for the purpose of forced labour is a complex form of trafficking wherein the methods of exploitation, victim Working with OSCE participating States profiles and economic sectors vary. This form of trafficking is characterized by its infiltration into the legal economy To support the adoption and implementation of measures and its common interaction with daily life. Consumers, to prevent trafficking for forced labour in supply chains, businesses, and States, as buyers, indirectly contribute to the OSR/CTHB works with the OSCE participating States trafficking in their pursuit of cheaper goods and services. directly, and in conjunction with civil society and the private sector. Discouraging the demand that fosters trafficking for forced In 2020-21, we raised awareness among States of the labour thus requires States to enact and enforce laws and practical tools – such as our Model Guidelines and our regulations, including in public procurement, that reduce new online database of resources - developed in previous and prevent the purchase of goods and services produced years. We also organized a regional roundtable in Belgrade by or extracted from trafficked persons. for governments in South Eastern Europe to discuss what laws and policies best suit local needs. And we engaged with the private sector in roundtables in Paris and London to discuss with businesses and financial institutions what

Contribution by opportunities and risks lie behind due diligence legislation.

Working within the OSCE to enhance sustainable

Yvan Sagnet procurement practices

Leading by example, the OSR/CTHB, in partnership with the OSCE Department for Management and Finance, has helped the OSCE strengthen its own procurement policies to mitigate the risk of doing business with suppliers who might contribute, directly or indirectly, to child labour or any form of trafficking in human beings. Our work included: - An independent analysis of THB risks to the OSCE Mission to Serbia within its Tier 1 suppliers, undertaken in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab. This represented the first time such an evaluation was undertaken for the procurement portfolio of an inter- governmental organisation.

- Developing guidelines for OSCE Field Operations, Structures and Institutions on managing and mitigating THB risks when procuring goods and services as well as rolling out a training module for relevant anti-trafficking and procurement staff. Yvan Sagnet President of NoCap, International network against gangmaster system, Italy Access I’m Yvan Sagnet, President of the Association NoCap. The Full In 2011, I organized the first strike of migrant workers in the agricultural sector against the labour exploitation Research perpetrated by the gang masters and the employers in Italy. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Italian Working with other international Organizations and migrant workers harvest fruits and vegetables that will supply supermarkets’ shelves and later on These initiatives have placed the OSCE at the forefront of will reach our tables at home. My message today is this work at the global level. Since 2019, the OSCE has primarily directed to us, the citizen-consumers. Every co-chaired - with ILO - a Task Force mandated by the time we go to the grocery store, let’s remember that UN High-Level Committee on Management to develop behind those products we see, there are human a common approach to combat trafficking in human lives, there are human beings that work and thus, our beings and forced labour in supply chains of international awareness can make a difference and give dignity organizations. And in 2021 the OSCE led efforts within ICAT to draft and back to these people. publish an Issue Brief specifically looking at the role of public procurement in combating trafficking. 28 Biennial Report 2020/21

SECTION 2 / Focus 3 The Gender Dimension of Human Trafficking Trafficking in human beings is a highly gendered crime that affects women, men, girls, and boys in different ways. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the gender dimension of THB. However, many gender aspects of this crime remain hidden and unaddressed in existing strategies for prevention, protection and prosecution.

International Instruments •  MC.DEC/6/17 - Strengthening Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in Human Beings and Commitments •  MC.DEC/7/17, Strengthening Efforts to Combat All forms of Child Trafficking, Including for Sexual The importance of gender as a factor in trafficking in Exploitation, as well as Other Forms of Sexual human beings led to the recognition of the need for Exploitation of Children gender-sensitive approaches in several international legally binding instruments: While these instruments take into account the fact that trafficking affects women, men, girls and boys differently, •  United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and in none of the legal or policy anti-trafficking instruments Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and is there clear guidance about what a gender-sensitive Children (Arts. 6 and 10) approach entails. •  The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (Arts. 5 and 17) The lack of a comprehensive focus on the gender •  The 2011/36/EU Directive of the European Parliament dimensions of trafficking, including awareness of and (Paras. 3 and 25) response to, those who do not fit the ideal victim profile, such as the increasing share of detected male victims of At the OSCE, all 57 participating States have committed to various forms of trafficking, has limited the understanding of adopt gender-sensitive approaches to combat trafficking who potential victims might be or what their vulnerabilities in human beings through the adoption of a series of and needs are. gender-specific commitments, including PC.DEC/557, and the following Ministerial Council Decisions: Most worryingly, this has hindered the development of tailored assistance and protection systems, as well as of •  MC.DEC/10/11 on the promoting equal prevention and prosecution strategies. opportunity for women in the economic sphere Section 2 29

Contribution by Jerome Elam

Jerome Elam OSCE International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC)/CEO Trafficking in America Task Force/DMST Survivor

As a five-year-old I was brutally trafficked by a gang of pedophiles for seven years. One of the images that will be forever seared in my memory are the many adults who passed through my life and never once noticed the bruises, scars or malnutrition that gripped my fragile body.

There were so many people who could have stopped how gender impacts the crime of human trafficking. the abuse that I was subjected to, but their eyes looked With this solid foundation, we can now make significant through me as if I were invisible. My escape from the strides in stopping the many victims who have fallen darkness came only as my life hung in the balance in through the cracks. In particular, with the continued the emergency room due to a nurse who would not let help of survivors, we can expand our understanding my suffering go unnoticed. of how people who do not fit the ideal victim profile are targeted and victimized and examine more closely The widespread use of gender-sensitive protocols for the role of gender in the trafficking of those with victims of human trafficking would have saved me as developmental disabilities. a child. Today, the OSR/CTHB is leading the way on saving the next child from the hell that I endured. In closing, I want to say that as a victim of child sex trafficking, I will never know the joy of being a carefree With the publication of the Occasional Paper Applying child lying in a field watching clouds as I imagine gender sensitive approaches in combating trafficking figures in their gentle shapes. However, I know that in human beings, the OSCE has given invaluable given the compassion, drive, and professionalism that guidance that will help participating States stem the I have seen in everyone associated with the OSCE tide of victims who have escaped detection. CTHB, working together, we will make sure that every child has the chance to watch the clouds and imagine Using the insights of survivors, the publication has cut a world where anything is possible. through the fog of the current lack of understanding of 30 Biennial Report 2020/21

POLICY

Applying gender-sensitive Key policy approaches in combating trafficking in human beings OSR/CTHB Occasional Paper no. 10 recommendations Gender-sensitive approaches can contribute to achieving gender equality and empowerment, as well as ending 1. Data collection and production of knowledge abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence Due to constant shifts in the trends and patterns of against all persons. trafficking, continuous research on gender aspects of THB is needed. To help ensure that strategies for prevention, protection, and prosecution are comprehensive and leave no victim 2.  Capacity building and addressing biases in the anti-trafficking response behind, regardless of the form of exploitation they have It is critical to increase the knowledge of anti- endured, the OSR/CTHB delivered the breakthrough trafficking actors to strengthen their ability to identify study Applying gender-sensitive approaches in combating non-ideal victim profiles and adequately respond to trafficking in human beings. the needs of all victims in line with States’ gender- related obligations and commitments. The study is based on findings from a multi-method research project, including surveys, expert interviews, and 3. Needs-based intervention for underserved expert group meetings carried out with participants from populations more than half of the OSCE’s participating States. Interventions to support the identification of both male and female victims in non-corresponding It explores a range of gender aspects that are often trafficking sectors, as well as to respond to their not addressed in existing prevention, protection, and specific needs and address their vulnerabilities, are urgently needed. prosecution strategies and provides a basis for policy development and better implementation of promising 4. Awareness raising and youth education gender-sensitive appro-aches. Stereotypical representations can be harmful to identification processes and to victims themselves, forcing them to relive their experiences. It is also By bringing together important to educate on harmful and positive masculinities in order to promote engagement and the voices of survivors, tackle stereotypes.

anti-trafficking experts, service providers and law enforcement, this paper offers a comprehensive account of gender Download aspects in trafficking the full report in human beings. Section 2 31

FURTHER THEMATIC AREAS

Technology and Human Trafficking Traffickers have misused technology to their advantage spent online, face a greater risk of online grooming and for many years. Trafficking for sexual exploitation is now reports of online exploitation have skyrocketed. primarily an online phenomena. increasing traffickers’ revenue, enhancing their anonymity, and allowing Although technology is often misused by traffickers, it can them to better isolate and control victims, particularly also be a tool to stop trafficking and protect victims. Through women and girls, who comprise 92% of the identified innovative research and analysis, the OSR/CTHB highlighted victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. The global how technology can be used to identify and mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated traffickers use risks of human trafficking on online platforms, enhance of technology and put more groups at risk. Children in investigations and prosecutions, and provide support and particular, at a time of school closures and more hours resources to vulnerable populations, including children.

Over 300 technology RESEARCH initiatives in the field Building on our pioneering 2019 Alliance Conference “Using Technology to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings: of anti-trafficking were Turning a Liability Into an Asset”, in 2020, we published - in collaboration with Tech Against Trafficking, a global coalition identified and analyzed, of technology companies - the ground-breaking research Leveraging innovation to fight trafficking in human beings: a and ethical considerations comprehensive analysis of technology tools.

A first of its kind, the research contains a global analysis of and data protection issues how different stakeholders, including law enforcement, civil society, businesses, and academia, are using technology to in the use of technology advance responses against human trafficking. were explored. Our publication is available in English, Russian and Bosnian languages.

Download the full Watch report full Video 32 Biennial Report 2020/21

PRACTICE

OSR/CTHB also raised awareness on the misuse of technology to facilitate trafficking. In April 2021 OSCE In January 2021 the OSR/CTHB started the and its Asian Partners for Co-operation organized a implementation of a new extra-budgetary roundtable on combating technology-facilitated trafficking project on Responding to Technology- in human beings in Central Asia and across the OSCE Facilitated Trafficking in Human Beings. Asian Partners for Co-operation (Afghanistan, Australia, The objective of the project is to develop Japan, Republic of Korea, and Thailand). The roundtable evidence-based policy and operational discussed how technology is being misused by traffickers frameworks for combating technology- in human beings in these regions, especially at the stage facilitated trafficking in human beings. To of advertising victims of sexual exploitation, including achieve these results, the project, among children, on online platforms. other outcomes, will facilitate research on high-risk online platforms; develop guidance The event was held online and attracted more than 170 on how to map online THB marketplaces and registered practitioners representing a broad spectrum THB risks indicators; and draft guidance on of national and international stakeholders working on the pro-active identification of THB victims combating trafficking in human beings. Panelists included on online platforms. The project will be prominent experts from international organizations and implemented in all OSCE participating States law enforcement agencies including Europol, Interpol, and during 2021-2023. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as from OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation.

The event also facilitated sharing among participants of knowledge and experience on addressing technology- facilitated trafficking by leveraging policies and legislation.

WATCH the Download full video the full report Section 2 33

FURTHER THEMATIC AREAS

Financial Investigations Trafficking in human beings at its core is a financially motivated crime. Nevertheless, one of the areas least explored and understood in the trafficking process is the profit generated by human trafficking and the flow of trafficking proceeds through financial systems. For these reasons, enhancing States’ capacities in the area of financial investigations and identifying the illicit revenues of trafficking, has received increasing focus in recent years. By identifying the financial networks between all actors In line with this strategy, in July 2021, OSR/CTHB held a roundtable with international organizations and in the trafficking business model, States and the private civil society to conduct a landscape assessment of sector can cut off the lifeblood of human trafficking. existing initiatives on financial flows related to THB. During the event, OSR/CTHB presented the findings In 2020-2021, OSR/CTHB capitalized on its breakthrough of its survey which mapped our existing initiatives. It publication Following the Money by putting the necessary then fostered dialogue on how to enhance information knowledge and tools into the hands of practitioners on the exchange and improve the harmonization of financial ground and supporting them with an array of technical investigatory strategies and tactics to detect and assistance and capacity-building activities to help put dismantle THB networks. policies into practice. To encourage proactive investigation of human trafficking financial flows by financial service providers, in November 2021, together with the United Kingdom Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the Finance against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST), OSR/ CTHB co-facilitated a roundtable discussion with the financial services sector, financial intelligence units and anti-trafficking agencies. Attended by over 60 representatives from 12 participating States, the roundtable led to a Joint Statement on the Critical Role of the Financial Sector in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Modern-day Slavery, issued by the three partner organizations and joined by 10 other organizations and experts. The statement called for: - Raising awareness and investing resources into financial institutions, financial intelligence units and financial regulators -  Supporting a proactive approach by financial service providers to prevent and eliminate financial flows generated from THB - Including THB and slavery risks in National Risk Assessments and conducting research - Learning from survivors to design and implement programs -  Building capacities on the use of financial Download indicators and red flag related to THB and slavery the full -  Establishing public and private partnerships guide between the financial sector, FIUs and law enforcement 34 Biennial Report 2020/21

FURTHER THEMATIC AREAS

Examining the Nexus between Human Trafficking and Terrorism Since trafficking in human beings continues to evolve, with criminals employing ever more sophisticated and subtle modus operandi, a multi-disciplinary approach to combating trafficking is not only recommended but necessary. Despite the acknowledgement in various international reports of links between human trafficking and terrorism, there remains a dearth of research on this nexus, as well as a scarcity of policy guidelines for effectively tackling both crimes while protecting victims.

To better understand the intersection between two complex crimes such as human trafficking and terrorism, in 2021 OSR/CTHB released the research study Trafficking in Human Beings and Terrorism: Where and How they intersect.

The research paper:

•  Critically reviews normative and policy frameworks governing actions against human trafficking and terrorism

• Provides an in-depth look at the aspects of human Download the trafficking used by terrorist groups through analysis of full research over twenty illustrative examples study •  Analyses gender and age dimensions of trafficking perpetrated by terrorist groups

• Discusses key principles in anti-trafficking responses – such as the non-punishment principle and the irrelevance of consent - and the complexity of their application with regard to the trafficking-terror nexus.

•  Offers targeted recommendations to assist OSCE’s participating States in identifying and protecting victims of trafficking committed by terrorist groups; to develop tailored and effective prevention programs targeted at vulnerable persons and risk groups; and to guarantee prosecution of trafficking offences, including by tracking illicit trafficking profits, of terrorist groups. Download the presentation Section 2 35

FURTHER THEMATIC AREAS

Addressing Child Trafficking Our multi-year effort on strengthening responses to child trafficking continued throughout 2020-2021.

Children are at great and growing risk of human trafficking: they represent one-third of victims— and the number of identified children has tripled in the last 15 years. When a child is on the move and goes missing, countries are not consistently communicating with each other to find a solution. The OSCE has promoted the establishment of better systems for sharing information across borders, including national child trafficking focal points, a function within national child protection systems responsible for the development of a durable solution for trafficked children. The goal is to help States better identify and assist trafficked children, and to develop a network among States that contributes to uniform standards and faciliates effective and well-established bi-lateral and multi-lateral cooperation.

The OSR/CTHB report on national child trafficking focal points provides an overview of prerequisites and essential conditions for such focal points to improve information exchange between countries, and an inventory of the tools and procedures they need to co-ordinate.

Our tool is available in English, Russian and Bosnian languages.

Download the full report 36 Biennial Report 2020/21

FURTHER THEMATIC AREAS

Human Trafficking for the Removal of Organs Despite being specifically mentioned in the internationally recognized definition of THB/OR remains one of the most unknown and least addressed forms of human trafficking globally.

In partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), on 6-7 July 2020 the OSR/CTHB co-organized an expert meeting gathering legal, criminal justice, medical and anti-trafficking experts and academics from 20 OSCE Participating States and Partners for Co-operation as well as international organizations. The focus was on the OSCE region’s response to trafficking in human beings for the purpose of the removal of organs (THB/OR) and ways of enhancing that response through raising awareness, increasing the political profile of the issue and building capacity of the stakeholders involved.

The OSR/CTHB also supported the UN’s ICAT (Inter- Screenshot from the Expert Meeting on Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for Persons) in publishing a comprehensive policy brief the Removal of Organs, co-organized with on the scope and impact of THB/OR, as well as OHCHR and WHO on 6-7 July 2020 recommendations for States and practitioners on how to tackle this issue.

Download Download the full the full publlication highlights Section 3 37

SECTION 3 OSCE’s wider efforts on trafficking

The OSR/CTHB co-ordinates anti-trafficking efforts across the OSCE, helping to foster the exchange of expertise, regional synergies and impact on the ground.

Despite the limitations imposed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, OSCE Field Operations, Institutions and Structures adapted their work and continued to provide a range of technical assistance, research and awareness-raising support across the OSCE region.

Examples of their work are featured here.

1 OSCE Presence 8 OSCE Project 14 OSCE Project in Albania Co-ordinator in Co-ordinator in Ukraine Uzbekistan 2 OSCE Mission to Bosnia and 9 OSCE Special 15 Office for Democratic Herzegovina Monitoring Mission to Institutions and Ukraine Human Rights 3 OSCE Mission (ODIHR) in Kosovo 10 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat 16 The Transnational 4 OSCE Mission Threats Department’s to Montenegro 11 OSCE Programme Strategic Police Office in Bishkek 5 OSCE Mission Matters Unit to Serbia 12 OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe 6 OSCE Mission to Skopje 13 OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan 7 OSCE Mission to Moldova 38 Biennial Report 2020/21

Field Operations SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

OSCE Presence in Albania

Capacity-building The OSCE Presence in Albania focused its capacity- building efforts on aiding judges and prosecutors on the The OSCE Presence effective application of a victim-centered and human rights-based approach in criminal proceedings. Twenty- in Albania has long six judges and prosecutors (9 women and 17 men) were trained through a training manual developed for prioritized the fight against the Albanian School of Magistrates specifically for this purpose. Complimentary training was also provided to trafficking of human specialized police units. beings, and this simulation- Based on the innovative simulation-based training methodology developed by OSR/CTHB, a group of police, based training encapsulates labour inspectors, prosecutors, and service providers developed, under the co-ordination of the OSCE Presence many core elements of our in Albania, the first-ever national simulation-based training exercise for Albanian responders. The training was commitment – to pursuing conducted from 18 to 21 October 2021 in Tirana, with around 50 anti-trafficking practitioners – including social a human-rights based, workers, police officers, prosecutors, labour inspectors, and civil society activists – participating. The exercise victim-centered approach, aimed to enhance anti-trafficking officials’ ability to identify and investigate human trafficking and assist trafficked to advancing multi- persons in a victim-centered and human rights-based manner. stakeholder, inter-institutional co-ordination, to applying cutting edge tools to develop capacities and respond. Ambassador Vincenzo del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania remarks at the opening ceremony held on 18 October, the European Anti-Trafficking Day.  Section 3 39

approaches in all anti-trafficking efforts. The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Vincenzo Del Monaco, OSCE Special Representative Valiant Richey, Swedish Ambassador at Large for Combating Trafficking in Persons Anna Ekstedt, United States Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim and Albania’s Deputy Minister of Interior Romina Kuko each addressed the conference.

OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Head of OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Vincenzo Del Capacity-building Monaco (l) speaks at the opening ceremony of the first-ever simulation-based training for anti-trafficking practitioners in Albania, Capacity-building efforts of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia Tirana, 18 October 2021. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi) and Herzegovina were focused on supporting the implementation of the BiH National 2020-23 Strategy for Research and Knowledge Combating THB (BiH Strategy). Prosecutors and judges Development from BiH Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centres across the country were trained to enhance THB case- In 2020, a number of research and knowledge products handling through an analysis of recent developments in were developed for the child protection system in Albania, case law. such as the report A Typology of Child Trafficking Cases in Albania and a guidance tool on ”Data gathering, Further to that, the Mission, together with domestic analysis, and determination of action for children at risk of and international partners, supported a symposium for exploitation or trafficking.” prosecutors, which enabled participants to broaden their knowledge of international case law relevant to THB; of To ensure better integration of anti-trafficking policy in child trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation; as well as protection, the OSCE Presence supported the drafting of on the nexus between child trafficking and mixed migration Albania’s new strategy for children’s rights 2021-2026. flows.

Further to that, the OSCE Presence assisted national In its efforts to increase the identification of and assistance authorities in developing an online database that unifies to victims of trafficking in the context of mixed migration child trafficking data collected from child protection flows, in June 2020 the Mission organized a two-day workers and law-enforcement agencies. In addition, on- webinar entitled “THB in mixed movements of migrants, the-job training was delivered to ten child protection refugees, and asylum seekers” which was done in co- workers in five municipalities with a high prevalence of operation with OSR/CTHB, UNICEF, UNHCR, and IOM. child trafficking cases.

Partnership and Co-ordination

To promote the importance of partnerships in enhancing action against trafficking in human beings, a national conference was organized by the OSCE Presence in co-operation with OSR/CTHB in June 2021. Attended by representatives of central and local government institutions, parliament, the judiciary and law enforcement, civil society, and academia, the conference provided a Participants at an OSCE-supported training course for judges and prosecutors from across BiH on addressing platform for dialogue and co-operation and discussed trafficking in human beings and related crimes, February strengthening human rights-based and victim-centered 2020 (OSCE/Svetlana Stanisavljevic) 40 Biennial Report 2020/21

Continuous training is of crucial importance for enhancing the capacity of the criminal justice sector, including its effective processing of THB-related cases. (L-r) Valiant Richey, OSCE SR/CTHB Special Representative, Dmitry Iordanidi, Deputy Head of the OSCE Šeila Heljić, President of the FBiH Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Gudrun Kugler, Vice-Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee on Migration addressing media at a press To mark World Children’s Day on 20 November 2020, the conference in Sarajevo, July 2021 (OSCE/Vedran Pribilovic) Mission organized a webinar for members of the judiciary, representatives of executive and legislative bodies, social service providers, and civil rights organizations from BiH As part of such efforts, the Mission facilitated virtual and the wider region, on the topics of child trafficking for meetings and in-person visits by OSCE SR/CTHB Richey forced criminality, forced begging, and sex trafficking. The and members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, webinar identified a set of recommendations for relevant including to transit and reception facilities, to discuss the national authorities to improve the overall response to situation of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in BiH forced child marriages. and offer OSCE support to increase the country’s capacity to prevent exploitation. Research and Knowledge This was complemented with a Mission-organized training Development for border police on the differences between human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. In co-operation with the BiH national anti-trafficking task force, the Mission developed a Manual for Investigating Trafficking in Human Beings to aid prosecutors and

All national and investigators in conducting victim-centered investigations in THB cases. To assist criminal justice practitioners,

international stakeholders legislators, and policymakers in their efforts to combat THB, the Mission also analyzed more than 100 THB cases

have to co-operate to completed before the courts in BiH and shared its findings with national counterparts.

jointly find solutions for the In 2020-21, the Mission translated into local languages

identification and protection and widely disseminated a number of OSCE tools for their utilization by local institutions, such as the OSR/

of victims in migration CTHB recommendations on COVID-19 and THB; the Model Guidelines on Government Measures to Prevent

flows as it is a transnational Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains; the publications Following the Money: Compendium

problem. of Resources and Step-by-step Guide to Financial Investigations Into Trafficking in Human Beings; Leveraging innovation to fight trafficking in human Samir Rizvo, State Co-ordinator for Combating beings: a comprehensive analysis of technology tools; Trafficking in Human Beings Establishing National Focal Points to Protect Child Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings. Section 3 41

OSCE Mission Awareness-raising in Kosovo In recent years, the Mission has supported the Anti- Trafficking Co-ordinator and the Secretariat for Strategies as a co-ordinating body for implementing the Strategy Capacity-building against THB in Kosovo through a variety of activities within the framework of the European Union Anti-Trafficking Day. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo1 centered its action on enhancing criminal justice responses, with particular The Mission also developed a comprehensive awareness- attention to addressing the misuse of technology by raising campaign with a view to increase public awareness, traffickers. particularly of vulnerable individuals such as girls and boys, regarding the misuse of internet for trafficking purposes. The campaign was carried out in Albanian and Serbian languages and featured a number of initiatives for children aged 9-18 to raise their awareness of the risks associated with social media, as well as for youth between 18-30 years old, on fake job advertisements online for the purpose of labour and sexual exploitation.

An OSCE-facilitated specialized training on investigating cases of THB online, especially of child trafficking for the purpose of sexual abuse, June 2020 (OSCE/Sedat Shala) Online launch In 2020-2021, examples of such engagement have presentation included specialized training on investigating cases of THB online, especially of child trafficking for the purpose of sexual abuse. Kosovo police officers were trained in online undercover investigation techniques, handling complex OSCE Mission cases involving organized and transnational crime, and in to Montenegro facilitating inter-agency co-operation.

For the end of 2021, the Mission in Kosovo also planned Capacity-building to facilitate the annual revision of the Strategy and Action Plan against THB 2021-2025, with the aim to identify The OSCE Mission to Montenegro’s activities in potential shortcomings and remedial measures. The countering THB aimed at addressing gaps in criminal Mission gathered 30 officials representing the Ministry of justice responses by training criminal justice responders Interior, the Anti-trafficking Co-ordinator’s Office, police, who may encounter potential victims of trafficking. judicial and prosecutorial councils, ministries of justice, education science and technology, local government The Mission provided specialized training on identifying administration, culture, youth and sports, labour and THB victims to national police officers through four social welfare, health, foreign affairs, and finance, as well dedicated regional workshops; one for the Heads of as representatives of the Agency for Gender Equality, the security centers and three others for police officers from Prosecutor’s Office, courts, municipalities, and civil society the Sector of public order and peace from all police involved in countering THB in Kosovo. stations within Montenegro.

1 A  ll references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. 42 Biennial Report 2020/21

actors in adopting policies for the prevention of THB through sustainable procurement processes.

As part of this effort, in 2020 the Mission translated the Model Guidelines on Government Measures to Prevent Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains into Serbian and disseminated them amongst relevant national stakeholders.

Anti-trafficking training for the Heads of the security centres from all municipalities in Montenegro, Podgorica, October 2021 (OSCE/Mission to Montenegro)

In 2020, in line with the national THB Strategy 2019-2024 and 2020 Action Plan, the Mission trained police state prosecutors on enhancing inter-institutional co-ordination and co-operation for preventing and combating THB, victims’ rights, referral and protection, as well as on the Marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons, July implementation of the non-punishment principle. 2021 (OSCE/Milan Obradovic)

To strengthen such efforts, the Mission is developing, In 2020, the Mission piloted an innovative project to at the request of the Ministry of Interior, a standardized assess internal supply chains and procurement practices questionnaire for the Montenegrin police to interview and with the collaboration of the University of Nottingham’s refer potential victims of THB. Rights Lab, which undertook an independent evaluation of THB risks with the Mission’s 480 first tier suppliers for a total of 2,667 purchase orders. A report published OSCE Mission in 2020 outlined the supplier portfolio of the Mission and to Serbia provided recommendations for managing THB risks in supply chains. It was the first time that such an evaluation of procurement practices was undertaken for an inter- In 2020 and 2021, OSCE Mission to Serbia focused governmental organization. on combating trafficking in human beings and victims’ protection by providing its expertise and technical In September 2021, the Mission, together with the OSR/ assistance through capacity building activities and CTHB, and in close co-operation with the Ministry of workshops for specialized state institutions in combating Interior’s Office of the CTHB National Co-ordinator, THB. organized a two-day conference in Belgrade gathering prosecutors, judges, business associations, private enterprises, and civil society organizations to discuss Research and Knowledge promising practices in human-rights compliance, public- Development private partnerships for the prevention of THB in supply chains, and related normative and policy development The Mission focused on supporting the country in in Serbia. To strengthen regional co-operation, the developing knowledge on THB for labour exploitation in conference was also attended by the national anti- different sectors and across supply chains, as well as on trafficking co-ordinators from Bosnia and Herzegovina, assisting relevant national authorities and criminal justice Croatia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Section 3 43

In 2021, in co-operation with the Serbian Judicial Academy, the Mission organized a training for 30 police officers, prosecutors and judges of misdemeanor courts on the application of the non-punishment principle of THB victims. By doing so, the Mission increased the awareness of the participants on the victim-centered approach, the exclusion of liability for THB victims, and the elements of the criminal offence of trafficking in human beings.

OSCE Mission to Skopje

In 2020-2021, the OSCE Mission to Skopje aimed to improve the country’s adherence to OSCE commitments and international standards by reinforcing a human rights- based and victim-centered approach in addressing THB. The Mission focused on improving access to child protection services through promoting multi-agency co- operation, and in raising awareness on THB among girls and boys from the most disadvantaged groups. The Mission worked in close partnership with the National Commission against Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration, as well as the ministries of justice, labor Awareness-raising and social policy, and internal affairs. The Mission also collaborated with judges, prosecutors, labor inspectors, In 2021, the Mission provided support to the Center for and civil society organizations. the Protection of THB Victims and the Serbian Red Cross in marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Volunteers distributed materials containing general information on THB and on services available to victims.

Capacity-building

In 2021, the Mission organized two training sessions for employees of local centers for social protection, shelters for elderly people and shelters for children with an aim to increase the efficiency in recognizing the signs of THB and conducting the preliminary identification of victims of THB. The training sessions were delivered by employees of the Center for the Protection of THB Victims for approximately 40 participants from different institutions, and focused on presentations and discussions of indicators for preliminary identification of THB victims.

With an aim to build the capacity of the Center for the Protection of THB Victims, the Mission organized a two- Participants at an OSCE-supported workshop for Roma children on preventing trafficking in human day training on project development and writing. In this beings, Skopje, November 2020. (Open Gate/Jana way, the Mission aided the Center in developing their own Todorovska) projects and liaising with donors to help fundraise for the specific needs of the Center. 44 Biennial Report 2020/21

Capacity-building and jurisdiction, as well as 3 labour inspectors, were trained expert support on the applications of relevant provisions of the Criminal Code, as well as on the role of the Public Prosecution and Between 2020 and 2021, the Mission provided expert the National Task Force against THB in investigating child support in the development of draft legislation on state trafficking and illegal migration. compensation for victims of trafficking as part of a draft law on Compensation of Victims of Violent Crime. Being finalized by the Government, the draft is expected to be Awareness-raising adopted by the Parliament by the beginning of 2022. In co-operation with the local NGO Open Gate/La Strada, The Mission, in co-operation with the National Academy for the Mission supported a series of workshops aimed at Judges and Public Prosecutors, also conducted a training increasing the awareness of children to the risks of THB, on the principle of non-punishment of victims of trafficking especially of those most at risk of exploitation. During the in human beings. Nineteen judges and prosecutors (10 male workshops, children accompanied by their parents were and 9 female), coming from 9 basic courts with criminal introduced the anti-trafficking SOS hotline 0800 111 11.

Field Operations EASTERN EUROPE

OSCE Mission Research and Knowledge to Moldova Development

International actors working on CTHB in Moldova have Capacity-building noted that there is no reliable data concerning THB on the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru river. In 2020-2021, the In 2020-2021, the OSCE Mission to Moldova focused Mission commissioned a number of studies to research on enhancing the capacity of legal professionals and recent trends in THB and exploitation on both banks of civil society organizations working with THB victims on the river. The Mission also contributed to strengthening both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River in identifying, qualitative data collection on THB cases and new THB investigating and prosecuting cases of exploitation and tendencies by Transdniestrian civil society organizations – abuse, including through improved data collection. as no other source of information exists – with a view to ensure context-specific response and assistance. To that end, the Mission teamed up with the National Institute of Justice to train Moldovan judges and prosecutors on the implementation of the legal framework on compensation Awareness-raising and rehabilitation of victims of THB and learn more about best practices in the OSCE region. To contribute to the The Mission focused on raising awareness on the sustainability of such a technical assistance programme, increasing misuse of technology by traffickers and the the Mission is supporting the development of a guide for associated risks of THB online. legal professionals on compensation for victims of THB. In addition, the Mission supported a series of public lectures During a hackathon in November 2020, 36 young women on the risks of THB and available assistance for victims of and men from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River abuse and exploitation. worked for a total of 72 hours on the development of Section 3 45

proposals for innovative tech-based solutions to prevent Regular Technical Co-ordination Meetings (TCMs) under and combat THB for sexual exploitation of children in the aegis of the OSCE, constitute a unique and fruitful Moldova. The hackathon was the result of a partnership platform of communication between Moldovan government between the OSCE Mission and the local NGO “Generația authorities, international partners, donors active in the NIKA”. anti-trafficking field, and civil society from both banks of Dniester/Nistru river. This platform not only enables to Participants proposed a host of applications to support raise awareness on legislative amendments, initiatives, THB responses through tech-based solutions. The web developments, and activities but also contributes to co- extension “CoParent”, which analyses content accessed operation and partnerships between its participants by children online; the online platform “4safe”, which in various capacity-building activities and prevention verifies the security of job offers for individuals seeking campaigns. As of 2020, TCMs are also organized on employment abroad; and “onLife”, a choose-your-ending the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru river to enhance the story game, which informs teenagers about the dangers of communication and co-operation among Transdniestrian sexting and bullying won the contest. civil society organizations and their counterparts from the right bank. Further to that, the Mission, in partnership with the NGO “La Strada” launched a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness on the risks of online exploitation with a OSCE Project Co-ordinator focus on child abuse. in Ukraine Partnership and Co-ordination Capacity-building The Mission continued to focus on addressing the low capacity to combat THB on the left bank of the Dniester/ In 2020-2021, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine Nistru River, as well as weak co-operation on combating (PCU) focused its efforts on community-level engagement THB between the left and the right banks of the Dniester/ with the aim to bring anti-THB policy to the attention of the Nistru river. The Mission continued applying the “mirror” newly created territorial communities (TC). In partnership approach to provide support at a similar scale to both with the Ministry of Social Police of Ukraine, the PCU banks of the Dniester/Nistru river to produce impact in a supported the conduction of twelve regional roundtables more harmonized, coherent, and effective manner through and online consultations for 480 TC members to facilitate more sustainable activities and support the settlement the establishment of anti-trafficking co-operation process. frameworks with the central government.

In support of the ongoing decentralization reform, the PCU also developed a guidance on “The Role of Communities in Countering Human Trafficking” to help the newly created communities understand their role within the national CTHB framework.

Civil society leaders from both banks of the Dniester/ Nistru River learning about promising practices in managing centers for victims of gender-based violence and exploitation during an OSCE-supported study visit to Drochia-based centers, June 2021 (OSCE/Igor Exhibition “Expectations vs. Reality”, Kyiv, 30 July 2020 Schimbator) (OSCE/Kostiantyn Chernichkin) 46 Biennial Report 2020/21

Expert roundtables were also organized with NRM stakeholders and relevant NGOs to discuss improvements to the current policies regarding identification, assistance, and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking. The recommendations were submitted to the Ministry of Social Policy with the aim to be included in the drafting of a national Social Programme on CTHB 2021-2025.

Awareness-raising

Following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the PCU contributed to raising awareness of Ukrainians on the heightened risks of THB with dedicated campaigns and CTHB summer school participants, August 2020. PCU informational material. Jointly with the Ministry of Social organized a series of workshops for social workers and police on THB topics (Photo credit: Masym Levin) Policy, IOM and A-21, the PCU supported the open-air exhibition “Expectation vs Reality” in sixteen Ukrainian Particular emphasis during the reporting period was placed cities across the country. The exhibition was visited by on raising awareness among youth. In 2020, the PCU more than 10,000 people, who got acquainted with their organized Winter and Summer Schools for future social rights and the obligations of employers, governmental workers/psychologists and two CTHB interactive contests. assistance to victims of THB, and available legal support. for cadets from seven Ukrainian higher education MoI institutions. Interactive presentations, respective practical assignments, and real case studies helped participants build up a deeper understanding of the topic and become actively involved in spreading information on THB risks and ways to avoid them among the youth community.

Partnership and Co-ordination

In cooperation with the OSR/CTHB, the PCU continued to organize a series of simulation-based exercises on real THB scenarios to enhance inter-agency responses, covering 10 oblasts of Ukraine and 100 CTHB practitioners, including police, social service providers, labour inspectors, and NGO representatives.

A poster from the #worksafe social media campaign (OSCE/Yulia Buhorska)

Through the #worksafe (#працюй безпечно) social media campaign (https://m.facebook.com/work.safe.ua), the PCU has also raised awareness of workers and youth on THB risks and on remedial mechanisms available to victims of THB for labour exploitation. During the campaign, more than 1,000 people received advice from experts (lawyers, NGO representatives, psychologists) on available Simulated case of labour exploitation at the regional assistance for victims of trafficking. simulation exercise, Vinnytsya, May 2021 (OSCE/Yulia Buhorska) Section 3 47

Participants were trained to apply a gender-sensitive and Gender Unit, in cooperation with the OSR/CTHB and the trauma-informed approach while interacting with victims PCU, organized four additional online webinars for SMM of THB. The exercises prompted the participants to test Monitoring Officers, including Gender Focal Points. The and improve their capacity to prevent, detect and disrupt webinars outlined the role that SMM Monitoring Officers the crime, as well as to ensure adequate referral of, and can play with respect to facilitating referral and access to assistance to, victims. services for alleged victims of trafficking. In total, about 65 Mission members attended the four sessions. Additionally, in July 2021 a webinar on THB basics and indicators, with OSCE Special Monitoring practical examples from several countries, was organized Mission to Ukraine by the Luhansk Monitoring team and was attended by 38 Mission members. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) continued to strengthen the capacity of its staff Furthermore, to capitalize on its extensive presence to understand concepts related to trafficking in human in Ukraine, in July 2020, the SMM established a new beings. referral mechanism through which cases of persons or communities in humanitarian need or cases of alleged In April 2020, the SMM invited the OSR/CTHB to host human rights violations, including trafficking in human an introductory webinar on CTHB. Approximately 120 beings, are referred to mandated organizations including participants from different OSCE structures attended the ICRC and OHCHR. the session. In the spring of 2020 and 2021, the SMM

Field Operations CENTRAL ASIA

OSCE Centre civil society, the Centre held meetings with local NGOs in Ashgabat “Keyik Okara” and “Yenme” to discuss the organization of joint activities to raise awareness about THB. This Following the adoption of the National Action Plan on engagement focused on measures and best practices at Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2020-2023 in the national and international level to prevent and reduce Turkmenistan, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat offered human trafficking and the functioning of the relevant victim expert advice in its implementation and actively contributed assistance institutions. to discussions related to THB prevention, prosecution, and partnership during relevant events with the participation of In November 2021, with support of the OSR/CTHB, the national technical working group members. the Centre held a roundtable event to discuss THB responses in Turkmenistan for 40 representatives of the Mejlis (lower chamber) of the Milli Gengesh (Parliament) Awareness-raising of Turkmenistan, law enforcement, and the ministries of health, medical industry, education, finance, and labour, as The Centre has sought to raise awareness of the increased well as for social protection services and representatives risks of THB as a result of the effects of the global of the Women’s and Youth Unions. pandemic. As part of its continued co-operation with 48 Biennial Report 2020/21

OSCE Programme Further to that, in 2021, an additional 15 members of the Parliament (10 male and 5 female), 25 law enforcement Office in Bishkek officers (18 male and 7 female) and 40 social workers (17 male and 23 female) participated in specialized training sessions organized by the Office on the legal framework on Capacity-building national referral mechanism and National anti-trafficking legislation. In September 2021, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), in co-ordination with the OSR/CTHB, hosted the first ever, week-long national simulation exercise on combating trafficking in human beings in Kyrgyzstan. The Awareness-raising effectiveness of the fight against human trafficking largely Through the “International Protection Support Centre” depends on effective co-ordination between government foundation, the Office continued to raise awareness of agencies, social services, and NGOs, so the simulation youth on the risks of illegal migration and THB. More than exercise offered front-line responders the opportunity 150 high schools and college students (60 male and 90 to practice together real-time anti-trafficking responses, female) participated in awareness-raising activities on utilizing actors to recreate simulations of real cases of labour THB and migration issues in 2021. The purpose of the and sexual exploitation, including of children. informational meeting was to raise awareness of students on the issues of responding to migration challenges and More than 70 professionals (47 male and 28 female) from preventing human trafficking. Students took an active part law enforcement agencies, including representatives of the in the activity and discussions remained active throughout Ministry of Interior, the Prosecutor General’s Office, labour the whole event. Numerous questions regarding inspectors, civil society organizations, and social services unregulated migration, on national and international took part in the training, enhancing their capacity to apply practice on the problem of human trafficking, prevention the national referral mechanism. of human trafficking and on mechanisms for preventing human trafficking, were brought up during the training. Following the training exercise, a number of criminal As a result of the informational meetings, the students investigations were initiated in Kyrgyzstan, whereas social increased their awareness on the issues of responding to services and NGOs were able to assist an increased and preventing human trafficking. On September 27 the number of identified victims of THB. The exercises were POiB also organized a week-long School of young leaders held in line with the Kyrgyz’s Cabinet of Ministers State on THB and risks of illegal migration, which saw the Programme on Combating Human Trafficking for 2021- participation of 50 (26 male and 24 female) representatives 2024. from youth initiative groups.

OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Capacity-building

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe provided extensive support to the government in implementing its 2019-2021 National Action Plan on CTHB. This included supporting the work of the national Inter-Ministerial Commission for CTHB, the development of a new Commission’s website, the donation of equipment to the Regional Centre for Support to TiP victims under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population and to the anti-trafficking NGO Femida, and the hiring of a Participants at the OSCE/POiB organized training national expert to provide support to the most vulnerable course for the law enforcement from across Kyrgyzstan THB victims in Dushanbe who need legal protection and on the national referral mechanism, May 2021, (POiB SSA consultant/Alena Muhovikova) legal representation services in criminal proceedings. Section 3 49

the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikstan, and NGOs “Femida” and “Caravan of Hope“. For the first time in Tajikistan, these innovative exercises provided frontline workers with the opportunity to model real action to combat human trafficking using actors to recreate human trafficking scenarios. During the training, cases of trafficking for the purpose of labour and sexual exploitation were addressed. Live simulation exercises were carried out as part of the ongoing efforts of the Program Office to help the host country fight human trafficking and better identify and assist victims of human trafficking through a new coordinated approach.

Further to that, the Office focused on building the capacities Actors simulating cases of human trafficking for labour of lawyers from the Bar association of Tajikistan on THB- and sexual exploitation during a four-day national related court cases and on the protection of victim’s simulation-based training on combating trafficking in rights within court proceedings. Through the end of 2021, persons, Safed-Dara, Tajikistan, 28 October 2021. representatives of the judiciary (e.g., Academy of Judges, (OSCE/Dior Sadulloev) Ministry of Justice) gathered to discuss the main findings and recommendations of a survey conducted by the Office Furthermore, in 2021, the Office co-operated with the on the rights of THB victims in the criminal proceedings in NGO Femida to conduct a roundtable devoted to World Tajikistan. Day against Trafficking in Persons. Twenty participants (6 women, 14 men) participated in the event, which aimed to strengthen the co-operation between governmental entities and non-governmental and international organizations on OSCE Programme Office in CTHB and provide support to THB victims. Nur-Sultan

The Office continued to support the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism by building the capacities Capacity-building of key stakeholders. For example, in November 2020, the Office conducted three NRM training exercises covering On 29 January 2021, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur- Sughd, GBAO, and Khatlon regions. Sultan organized a roundtable discussion on THB for labour exploitation in the CIS region. Over 40 representatives In July 2021, the Office organized a series of five two- from law-enforcement agencies, the prosecutor general, day training courses on effective financial investigations civil society and academia from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, in THB cases in Dushanbe, Khorog, Bokhtar, Kulob, and Uzbekistan, and Ukraine took part in this event. A set Guliston. Some 63 representatives (1 woman, 62 men) of recommendations was published and presented to from Tajikistan’s Customs Service, State Committee for criminal justice actors, scientific and pedagogical workers, National Security, Drug Control Agency, and General Prosecutor’s Office, who are involved in investigating and prosecuting THB crimes, participated in the courses. The courses focused on the issues related to effective detection of financial means and assets used by traffickers to commit the crime.

In October 2021 in Safed Dara resort the Office conducted a four-day national simulation-based training course on combating human trafficking. The event was organized jointly by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the OSR/CTHB. The event was attended by 40 representatives (15 women, 25 men) of the Prosecutor International roundtable on combating human trafficking General’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan, and labor exploitation, January 2021 (OSCE) 50 Biennial Report 2020/21

and law students. The report provided an analysis of than 30 professionals from law enforcement, labour existing anti-trafficking legislation and identified gaps in its inspectorates, migration authorities, prosecutorial offices, implementation, including on addressing labor exploitation NGOs, and public social services participated in the live- in supply chains and a lack of a victim-centered approach action exercise. in criminal proceedings. In 2020, the Office developed a video course on the In June 2021, 16 prosecutors of the Akmola region (11 men investigation, prosecution, and prevention of crimes and 5 women), participated in a seminar co-organized related to human trafficking. The curricula, developed in with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, is aimed at building the training capacity of the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the Prosecutor’s General Office. Five educational modules in the Russian and Kazakh languages will be used for prosecutors and first responders in Kazakhstan. The material is expected to become part of the education curricula and be administered through the distance learning system under the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office.

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan An OSCE-organized week-long simulation exercise to save victims of sexual and labour exploitation and arrest alleged perpetrators, Almaty, 13 October 2021. Capacity-building (OSCE/Kunsulu Demeuova)

In co-operation with ODIHR, the OSCE Project Co- General’s Office to discuss victims’ identification and ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) assisted the host country challenges in court trials. International experts from with the development of a national referral mechanism for Lithuania and Ukraine presented their legislative models victims of THB by providing expert recommendations and and promising practices. advice during the drafting, including on concepts such as that of non-punishment of victims. Further to that, the In October 2021, with support of the OSR/CTHB, the “National Referral System for Victims of Human Trafficking Office organized the second national live-based simulation and Presumed Victims” was then adopted in February exercise on CTHB in co-operation with the US Embassy, 2021 by the Cabinet of Ministers. UNHCR, UNODC, MIA and Law Enforcement Academies. The structure of the course was based on a model Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCUz provided successfully tested in similar international trainings: one technical assistance for police and prosecutors on new day of theoretical sessions and team-building activities, trends and challenges in the prevention of THB and in the followed by four-days of the live simulation-based training identification of victims. This included a series of online during which the trainees established multi-agency co- expert consultations organized in co-operation with the operation while working on the cases of trafficking in Uzbek National Anti-Trafficking Commission and ODIHR human beings for sexual and labour exploitation. More on the protection of children in the digital environment. In addition, the PCUz conducted a competition among youth on the best script for a short video that raises awareness among children and young people about the dangers associated with human trafficking online.

In 2021, the PCUz, jointly with the National Gender Equality Commission supported a social enterprise to produce bakery products in Tashkent province, which will provide at least 30 women from the most vulnerable groups in the region of Tashkent with a sustainable income. Section 3 51

OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (ODIHR)

ODIHR’s key objectives in 2020/2021 were to strengthen national anti-trafficking frameworks to combat THB in line with OSCE commitments, to promote a human rights- based, gender-sensitive, trauma-informed and victim and survivor-centered approach in CTHB, and to foster the inclusion of survivors of trafficking in all matters pertaining to CTHB across the OSCE region.

Increasing respect for human rights of victims and survivors of trafficking

On the basis of these OSCE commitments on the inclusion and promotion of voices of survivors of trafficking in OSCE Overview of the 21 Members of the first International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), anti-trafficking efforts (MC.DEC No. 6/18; MC.DEC No. established by ODIHR 6/17) and in line with its mandate, ODIHR established the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), which was launched in January 2021. The Council consists of 21 members (16 women, 5 men), all survivor leaders with multi-disciplinary expertise and diverse Human trafficking causes untold backgrounds from 14 OSCE participating States. suffering, and both combating and ISTAC’s purpose is to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to ODIHR, and through ODIHR to the preventing this terrible crime is a OSCE participating States. In particular, through their assistance to ODIHR, ISTAC assists in strengthening high priority for ODIHR. ODIHR’s national legal, policy and regulatory anti-trafficking frameworks and in promoting a stronger victim and Advisory Council on combating survivor-centered approach to CTHB. Beyond the country- specific work, the advisory role of the ISTAC also allows human trafficking is entirely made ODIHR to incorporate a stronger victim and survivor- centered approach in its publications and tools. up of survivor leaders, sending Since its launch, several governments, intergovernmental a clear message that each organizations and civil society have engaged with the ISTAC. For example, members of the ISTAC participated individual matters, and that their in a joint ODIHR and ICAT event on World Day Against voices count in all our efforts. Trafficking in Persons and contributed to the development of ICAT’s statement for the respective World Day. Matteo Mecacci – Director of OSCE ODIHR 52 Biennial Report 2020/21

My lived experience empowers OSCE participating States ensure the implementation of a human rights-based, gender-sensitive, trauma-informed, me to help drive changes for and victim-centered approach to CTHB.

policies and legislation that are The joint report Addressing Emerging Human Trafficking Trends and Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic critically needed to eradicate was made available in English, French and Russian. The policy recommendations cover a wide range of key areas, human trafficking. Working to including: the need to strengthen the identification of victims of trafficking; accessibility of services to victims prevent trafficking is vital, and and survivors of trafficking; access to remedies including justice and information; addressing specific needs of eradication requires intervention women, girls, and children; and support and capacity

at all levels of society. I am building for both governmental and non-governmental frontline stakeholders.

honored to be part of ISTAC. Together, we will work to implement civil and legal frameworks that support and enforce anti-trafficking legislation. Shandra Woworuntu – Chair of the ISTAC

Identifying and responding to new trends and challenges

In June 2021, ODIHR joined Gemeinsam gegen Menschenhandel (Together Against Human Trafficking) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in organizing a high- level two-day conference titled “Conference on Addressing Human Trafficking and All Forms of Sexual Exploitation: Emerging Trends and Long-Term Strategies”. Experts from Download governments, civil society, academia and survivor leaders the full discussed the urgency of strengthening international report and national legal and policy approaches on combating trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

In 2020, to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ODIHR and UN Women organized two events in July and analyze emerging THB trends and dynamics and to develop October 2020 to raise awareness of the report for OSCE an anti-trafficking response based on empirical data, delegations, policymakers, civil society, and survivors of ODIHR and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality trafficking. and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) conducted a global survey of survivors of trafficking from 40 countries and frontline stakeholders from 102 countries. Advised by a group of experts and based on the survey findings, a set of policy recommendations were developed, to help Section 3 53

In the current pandemic situation and its aftermath, THE TRANSNATIONAL states and communities THREATS DEPARTMENT’S need effective guidance to STRATEGIC POLICE MATTERS UNIT address trafficking in human beings with a human right, gender-sensitive, trauma- informed and victim-centered The Transnational Threats Department’s Strategic Police

approach. ODIHR and UN Matters Unit (TNTD/ SPMU) co-operates closely with the OSR/ CTHB on issues of mutual concern, in particular

Women are responding to police-related matters.

this need with the launch Through the “Anti-Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants Training in Ukraine” project, of policy recommendations TNTD/SPMU continued to support Ukrainian authorities in enhancing their capacity to prevent and fight THB for Addressing Emerging and the smuggling of migrants (SoM) in compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments. Human Trafficking Trends and In 2020-2021, a customized training manual for junior law Consequences of the enforcement investigators was developed to help conduct interviews with potential victims of THB, including on how COVID-19 Pandemic. to ensure victims’ protection and support while preventing re-victimization.

Katarzyna Gardapkhadze – former First Deputy Director of ODIHR

The guidance generated requests from several participating States, such as the Kyrgyz Republic, which requested ODIHR’s assistance in developing protocols on CTHB during a state of emergency. In addition, Ukraine and Uzbekistan requested and received assistance in strengthening the capacity of criminal justice stakeholders, especially police, prosecutors, and judges, to address issues relating to the protection of children in the digital environment, as COVID-19 significantly increased children’s vulnerability to trafficking in online formats.

PAN thematic meeting on CTHB police training methods, May 2021 (OSCE) 54 Biennial Report 2020/21

Through the TNTD-established Police Academies Network (PAN), a thematic discussion was organized in May 2021 in This was not a normal co-operation with OSR/CTHB on how police academies can develop and integrate effective training curricula for year, as we all continue police cadets on methods and practices to address THB. to struggle to overcome Participating in a side-event on community policing at the 21th Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons conference in the COVID-19 virus and June 2021, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, Alena Kupchyna, highlighted address its impact and key elements of the SPMU strategy. They included the promotion of a victim-centered approach in all counter- repercussions. This is true trafficking measures; and the provision of technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in strengthening for our anti-trafficking efforts their capacities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators and seize criminal proceeds. The Co-ordinator also as well. We must respond underscored the importance of effective police-public partnerships in combating criminal activity involving THB. to these new challenges and ensure that our efforts are effective against these new trends and PARLIAMENTARY challenges. ASSEMBLY OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR OSCE PA Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues Chris Smith (United States) SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE sexual exploitation which have emerged due to increased online activity and greater use of social media.

Special Representative Smith also continued to report regularly to the Parliamentary Assembly on trends within the OSCE area, paying special attention to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on anti-trafficking efforts, on The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly continued to play a patterns of trafficking, and on victims and survivors. He leading role in pushing forward the OSCE anti-trafficking highlighted the increased vulnerability of children to online agenda with a special focus on preventing child exploitation grooming and trafficking as a result of the increased time and trafficking along migration routes, including through spent online during lockdown. Smith and the OSCE PA the dedicated efforts of its Special Representative on Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry have Human Trafficking Issues, Congressman Christopher also drawn attention to how the pandemic has exacerbated Smith (United States). the vulnerability of women and girls to trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. In June 2021, Special Representative Smith participated in the annual Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons Responding to human trafficking in the context of mixed Conference focusing on “Confronting Demand”. He migration flows continued to be the focus of Parliamentary furthermore participated in a side event organized on 14 Assembly work, and especially of its Ad Hoc Committee June by the OSR/CTHB on “Protecting the most vulnerable: on Migration. The Committee paid particular attention to putting a spotlight on the demand that fosters trafficking in the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on refugees and children” which sought to address new patterns of child migrants, noting in particular their increased vulnerability Section 3 55

Similarly, an online conference of the UK House of Lords in June 2021 organized in co-operation with the OSCE PA and PACE to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention resulted in a Call for Action on World Refugee Day 2021. This Call for Action included an appeal to OSCE participating States and Council of Europe Member States to respect the right to seek asylum, to refrain from collective returns, and to assess each case individually with special attention to the identification of vulnerable categories of migrants such as unaccompanied children or victims of human trafficking or torture.

It also called upon OSCE participating States and Council Vice-Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly of Europe Member States to sustain efforts to dismantle Ad-Hoc Committee on Migration Gudrun Kugler and criminal networks which profit from smuggling and Anti-Trafficking Special Representative Valiant Richey trafficking in human beings and to offer expanded safe visit Borići Temporary Reception Centre, July 2021 and legal pathways for persons in need of international (OSCE PA) protection.

Overall, the OSCE PA efforts have contributed to the to human traffickers. The Committee and the OSR/CTHB development of a vast policy framework counting twenty co-operated in particular in the area of combating human resolutions adopted by the PA. trafficking along migration routes, with a focus on children. A joint visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina was organized in July 2021, to address the risks of trafficking in the migrant population transiting through the country.

The OSCE PA also facilitated the participation of the SR/CTHB in a web-conference of the UK House of Lords, organized in co-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Protecting unaccompanied child refugees: enabling relocations and preventing human trafficking on the eve of World Refugee Day in June 2020.