OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts underscore need to rethink prevention methods to address evolving trafficking tactics.

Photo: OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Dr. Kari Johnstone, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Meccaci and Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels at the opening session of the 24th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons in Vienna (OSCE). Photo courtesy of OSCE & its photographer.

Notwithstanding the significant investments in awareness initiatives, traffickers continue to bypass our prevention tactics, outpacing the resources directed toward ending exploitation. The 24th Alliance Conference against Trafficking in Persons analyzed the current prevention efforts in order to offer solutions to reshape approaches to prevention.

Grounded in the OSCE’s comprehensive prevention framework, the conference focused on:

– Delving into inherent and circumstantial vulnerabilities to trafficking and root causes of exploitation,

– Identifying gaps in the current prevention strategies to address existing and emerging forms of trafficking, including those that are often overlooked,

– Sharing lessons learned and discussing innovative policies, tools, and practices to reshape strategies for more impactful prevention.

The webinars emphasized the critical need for a driven-by-data and whole-of-society approach that involves governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities working together to create inclusive and innovative solutions.

To view three Livestreams of both days: https://www.osce.org/event/alliance24

To read an overview/review of the two days: https://www.osce.org/secretariat/566800