Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
REPORT 2024 Six Pillars of Impact
1 2 3 Simulation Training: Tech & AI Defense: Financial Intelligence: Empowering Real-World Leading Digital Protection Disrupting Criminal Results The fight against human Networks The Office strengthened trafficking tackled digital Partnerships with financial multi-agency capacity to tools used to find and intelligence units were en- identify and combat trafficking exploit victims, including AI, hanced, cutting off trafficking through simulation-based positioning the OSCE at the funds and increasing col- training exercises tailored to forefront of addressing tech- laboration with the financial practitioners’ needs. nology-facilitated trafficking. sector to disrupt trafficking networks.
4 5 6 Protecting the Vulnerable: Crisis Response: Supply Chain Reform: Breaking Barriers Safeguarding Displaced Setting Global Standards Efforts to address trafficking Populations The Office played a key role risks for marginalised groups The Office prioritised protect- in global efforts to prevent and persons with disabilities ing those displaced by wars labour exploitation in supply were expanded, highlighting and crises, including individ- chains by promoting supply the importance of under- uals affected by the ongoing chain and procurement standing vulnerabilities to war against Ukraine, through transparency. prevent trafficking effectively. targeted humanitarian crisis responses.
Under the guidance and leadership of Human trafficking is a serious concern for all Uniting against Special Representative and Co-ordinator OSCE countries, posing both security risks and Kari Johnstone, the Office of the Special human rights challenges. All countries in the re- human trafficking Representative and Co-ordinator for Com- gion are affected. Trafficking crimes can occur means harnessing bating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/ virtually anywhere and citizens from any State the power of a CTHB) strives each day to fulfil the Spe- may be exploited in trafficking anywhere – in broad collective – cial Representative’s mandate, co-ordi- their homes or in another country. The nature nating and enhancing the OSCE’s support of the crime requires international co-operation where every voice for participating States in formulating and and positions the OSCE as a vital organisation matters and every executing effective policies to combat to support States in combating this crime. survivor is not and prevent human trafficking while safe- just a story but guarding victims' rights. One of our key activities in 2024 was the high-level Alliance against Trafficking in Persons a vital architect in In 2024 the Office continued to provide sup- Conference, held in April under the theme “Be- crafting effective port to States in combating human trafficking yond Awareness-Raising: Reshaping Human solutions. by working together with governments and civil Trafficking Prevention.” This event gathered society. We provided research, training, and the largest number of in-person anti-trafficking Dr. Kari Johnstone support for policy-making to help States meet practitioners to date and, for the first time, all OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating their commitments. We also co-ordinated the panels included experts with lived experience, Trafficking in Human Beings OSCE’s own efforts in this area and connected reinforcing the critical need for survivor-led in- with many partners to boost the visibility and sights in shaping policies and practices. effectiveness of anti-trafficking initiatives.
Report 2024 | page 1 SIX PILLARS OF IMPACT | 2024
The Office improved the capability of anti-trafficking practitioners to identify victims and prosecute perpetrators by promoting Combating Trafficking in Human Beings: Sustaining Multi-Agency Collaboration through
multi-agency collaboration through simulation-based trainings National Simulation-Based Training Exercises 2021- 2026
and specialised workshops, while ensuring the integration of BACKGROUND Since 2016, the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating
victim-centered, trauma-informed practices throughout Trafficking in Human Beings has supported participating States in enhancing victim identification and prosecution efforts by promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration through simulation-based training exercises. To date, six international simulation-based training exercises in English and Russian, three regional simulation-based training exercises for Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Baltic Sea
investigations, protection, and assistance. region, and over 15 national simulation-based training exercises have been conducted, training hundreds of practitioners from a total of 68 countries, including 55 OSCE participating States and 8 Partners for Co-operation.
METHODOLOGY With this training methodology, anti-trafficking practition- ers engage in live action, simulated scenarios to identify
Main achievements in 2024 and investigate cases. A fictional world with country laws, profiles of perpetrators and victims is created by a team of experts so that participants can “learn by doing” and receive feedback from instructors.
The OSCE’s exclusive simulation-based training methodology, which immerses practitioners in realistic, PURPOSE To enhance the ability of OSCE participating States to ef- fectively combat human trafficking through co-operation
simulated scenarios and enables hands-on learning through direct experience and expert feedback, was between key governmental and non-governmental actors and embedding simulation-based exercises into national capacity building initiatives and curricula.
showcased at the inaugural Mediterranean regional training on CTHB in Italy, bringing together professionals ī FOSTER A MULTI-AGENCY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH
OBJECTIVES TO CASE MANAGEMENT
from participating States and Partners for Co-operation to foster cross-border collaboration. The OSR/CTHB
MAIN ī ENSURE VICTIM-CENTERED, TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES ARE INTEGRATED THROUGHOUT INVESTIGATION, PROTECTION, AND ASSISTANCE EFFORTS ī BUILD STRONG, PRACTICAL NETWORKS TO ENHANCE CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION
also organised a workshop on trauma-informed approaches and multi-agency co-ordination for Georgian AMONG PRACTITIONERS DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
ī BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN POLICY AND PRACTICE, ALLOWING FOR THE IDENTIFICATION
BENEFITS OF GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND PROCEDURES
practitioners. Additionally, a regional workshop for Central Asian experts addressed vulnerability factors to
CORE ī FACILITATE THE EXCHANGE OF BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AMONG STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN RESPONSES TO COMMON CHALLENGES. ī PROVIDE TRAINEES WITH A SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO PRACTICE WITHOUT RISKING
trafficking, such as minority status and disability, enhancing practitioners’ capacity to manage complex cases. REAL VICTIMS OR ONGOING PROSECUTIONS
Impact Story Just months after participating in the OSCE’s regional simulation-based training exercise for the Baltic Sea region in Germany, Icelandic authorities carried out their largest-ever anti-trafficking operation in Reykjavik, identifying over 40 victims and initiating proceedings against nine alleged traffickers. According to Reykjavik Police, the operation was “planned just like we learned in Brühl” and “would not have happened without the simulation,” highlighting the direct impact of the OSCE’s training on real-world action.
The fight against human trafficking is adapting to better address dig- ital tools used to find and exploit victims, including AI, and the OSCE NEW FRONTIERS: is at the forefront of addressing technology-facilitated trafficking. THE USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO FACILITATE Main achievements in 2024 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS In 2024, we took a leading role in addressing tech-facilitated human trafficking, especially concerning AI. The Office launched the first-ever Policy Brief on the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in human trafficking, in collaboration with the the Bali Process RSO. The brief received praise from six participating states at the Permanent Council for its timely insights. Additionally, in Kyrgyzstan, the Office organised the first known workshop on AI, machine learning and trafficking by an international organisation, resulting in the creation of a national roadmap for AI integration into national anti-trafficking efforts.
Impact Story POLICY BRIEF NOVEMBER 2024 In partnership with Interpol, UNODC, and Canadian authorities, the Office conducted the first hackathon focused on technology-facilitated trafficking of Latin American victims exploited in Europe. The hackathon led to the identification of a new platform and 68 potential victims; 146 potential exploiters, recruiters, and facilitators; Download Link and 365 usernames and 162 URLs linked to suspicious activity used to recruit Brazilian victims to the UK, https://www.osce.org/ information that was promptly shared with UK law enforcement to enhance victim identification and strengthen cthb/579715 international anti-trafficking efforts.
Partnerships with financial intelligence units and with the financial sector were enhanced, cutting off trafficking funds and disrupting trafficking networks through the facilitation of multi-stakeholder partnerships and quality guidance.
Main achievements in 2024 In 2024, the OSCE strengthened efforts to disrupt trafficking financial flows by fostering partnerships between financial institutions, financial intelligence units (FIUs) and law enforcement agencies. Building on our ‘Following the Money’ publication, we developed tailored guidance to improve the quality of trafficking-related reports submitted by financial entities. We partnered with financial intelligence and regulatory authorities in Greece and Lithuania to scale up anti-trafficking action in the financial services industry.
Impact Story The Office continued tackling illicit financial flows by fostering public-private partnerships and engaging with financial services across the OSCE through guidance on trafficking risks and red-flag indicators. Following a successful pilot-project in Cyprus, we facilitated the establishment of the first anti-trafficking public-private Download Link partnership project that brought together 20 cantonal authorities, financial intelligence units, and six financial https://www.news.admin.ch/en/ institutions in sharing data and intelligence and the release of a human trafficking dedicated guide for financial nsb?id=103288 services in Switzerland in 2024.
Report 2024 | page 2 Efforts to understand and address trafficking risks for persons with disabilities and persons belonging to marginalised groups were expanded.
Main achievements in 2024 This year, the Office released two publications: one exploring the nexus between disabilities and trafficking, and another, developed together with OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), examining the dynamics of trafficking among persons belonging to minority groups. Our efforts were further bolstered by a workshop held in Sarajevo, which deepened understanding of how specific groups, such as minorities and persons with disabilities, face heightened risks of trafficking.
Impact Story The Office expanded its focus to address the issue of orphanage trafficking, which is the exploitation of children recruited into orphanages for profit. The Office organised a series of events with the CBSS and participated in awareness-raising initiatives in the UK and Ireland. These events engaged anti-trafficking practitioners and Download Link parliamentarians, emphasising their critical role in combatting orphanage trafficking and protecting vulnerable https://www.osce.org/ children. secretariat/574475
Continuous efforts to protect people displaced by wars and crises from trafficking, including individuals affected by the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Main achievements in 2024 In 2024, we continued our work assisting States to ensure that the humanitarian consequences resulting from the war against Ukraine did not create a human trafficking crisis. The Office conducted workshops in Canada, France, Spain, and the USA, totalling 23 countries since the beginning of the project in 2022. These workshops focused on enhancing hosting countries’ mechanisms to prevent trafficking of those fleeing the war. In 2024, the Office also assisted in strengthening victim identification and assistance mechanisms in 5 countries, namely Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria, and Latvia and fostered regional collaboration on criminal justice through an event with over 110 stakeholders from 33 States. To align humanitarian and anti-trafficking responses, the Office published three anti-trafficking resources for first-line responders and other stakeholders engaged in receiving and supporting Ukrainian refugees: an awareness-raising brief on THB risks, indicators, and case management; a code of conduct to ensure first-line responders do not contribute to any form of THB (both available in 15 languages); and a compendium of available anti-trafficking training courses for stakeholders in humanitarian crisis responses. Download Link https://www.osce.org/ Impact Story cthb/562572
The OSCE’s #BeSafe Campaign was updated to address the evolving risks for Ukrainian refugees, adding helplines in five new countries, now totalling 35, and benefitting about 50,000 users. The total campaign has reached more than 2.8 million Ukrainians.
The Office implemented further efforts to prevent labour exploitation in supply chains and improve procurement practices.
Main achievements in 2024 The OSCE was the first multilateral organisation to adopt comprehensive procurement guidelines addressing human trafficking within its own procurement. Over the past year, the Office launched two e-learning courses – one for the OSCE and another for the UN Procurement Task Force, for which the OSCE is the Secretariat – shaping global procurement practices. Additionally, the Office organised a regional conference with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, updating stakeholders on integrating human rights due diligence in line with legal frameworks in the EU and beyond.
Impact Story We strengthened our partnership with the UN Global Compact, collaborating with networks in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, and Germany. This partnership enhances our ability to influence corporate behaviour, address Download Link human rights issues in supply chains, and promote action against human trafficking and labour exploitation https://www.osce.org/ worldwide. cthb/536527
Report 2024 | page 3 REVIEW | 2024
In 2024, high-level political engagement was key to turning commitments into action.
The annual meeting of the National Anti-Trafficking Co-ordinators and Rapporteurs, co-hosted with the Council of Europe, brought together representatives from 61 States to advance victim pro- tection, strengthen prosecutions, and amplify contributions by lived experience experts in policy making. The Conference for Strengthening Criminal Justice Responses to Trafficking amid Refugee Flows from Ukraine, held in Vienna, underscored the “As we face continuing challenges posed by wars, urgency of co-ordinated efforts in crisis settings. crises, and displacement, human trafficking has potentially dire consequences for our societies, Meanwhile, official visits to Finland, France, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, making international co-operation more critical Romania, Slovakia and Tajikistan, as well as virtual engagements than ever. We need leadership with the necessary with Ukraine and Lithuania, ensured direct dialogue with national resolve and resources to combat this crime and authorities. keep people safe. The time to act is now.”
These efforts sought to reinforce political will, mobilise resources, Dr. Kari Johnstone and keep anti-trafficking measures at the top of the agenda, be- OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator cause real change happens when commitment turns into action. for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
LOOKING AHEAD | 2025
Continuing the Momentum in Combating Expanding Partnerships and Human Trafficking Global Engagement
Building on the progress made in 2024, the Office will continue The Office will continue to strengthen its collaboration with in- its efforts in 2025 to address the complex and evolving chal- ternational, national, and local partners in 2025, leveraging its lenges of human trafficking. Through targeted interventions in unique position to influence global anti-trafficking strategies. We prevention, protection, and prosecution, the Office will uphold a will ensure that the fight against trafficking remains central to the victim-centred, multi-disciplinary approach. OSCE broader security and human rights agenda, fostering a coherent global response. Galvanising Efforts to Combat Child Trafficking Elevating Survivor Leadership in 2025 2025 will mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Action Plan Addendum on Child Trafficking. To commem- In 2025, the Office will further prioritise the inclusion of lived ex- orate this occasion, we will dedicate the 25th Alliance against perience experts and survivor leaders in shaping anti-trafficking Trafficking in Persons Conference to strengthening responses to laws, policies, and programs. In close co-ordination with ODIHR child trafficking across the OSCE region. Our focus will address and the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council pressing challenges, including the surge in technology-facilitat- (ISTAC), we will expand opportunities for survivor expertise to ed exploitation, the growing concern of children being exploited guide our work, ensuring their insights inform prevention meas- in committing criminal offences as grave as drug-related and ures, policies, and victim support strategies to optimise effec- violent crime and orphanage trafficking. Through enhanced in- tiveness. ternational co-operation and survivor-informed approaches, we will advance comprehensive solutions to protect children from trafficking in all its forms.
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