OSCE Special Representative calls for redoubled efforts against modern-day slavery on Anti-Trafficking Day | WPN World People News

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, called for new approaches in the fight against the growing problem of modern-day slavery on the occasion of the European Union Anti-Trafficking Day on 18 October.

OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, during a ceremony where she received a Trafficking in Persons Hero Award from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, to honour her significant contributions in the struggle to end modern-day slavery, Washington, 19 June 2012.

"We need to step up our anti-trafficking action based on four key points,” Giammarinaro said. “First, human rights of vulnerable and trafficked persons must take first place, including their right to compensation; second, prevention is key, especially through the non-discrimination and social inclusion of vulnerable groups and persons such as Roma minorities, migrants, children on the move, asylum seekers and refugees; third, all related policy areas such as migration and labour policies should be consistent with anti-trafficking action; fourth, enhanced international co-operation is needed to tackle organized crime and to provide better victim protection."

"After more than a century since its abolition, slavery reappeared in new forms, and is now growing day by day. Our poorest and most vulnerable fellow citizens are systematically exploited for sexual or labour exploitation, forced criminality, and for the purpose of organ removal," Giammarinaro said.

She recalled that last year in Vilnius, the OSCE foreign ministers confirmed their commitments aimed at preventing and fighting against human trafficking, and ensuring a robust response against modern-day slavery.

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe