OSCE workshop explores measures to prevent human trafficking in the organization’s supply chains

A one-day workshop on how to prevent human trafficking in the OSCE’s supply chains was organized by the OSCE on 27 September 2019 in Belgrade. More than 50 of the organization’s staff working in procurement and human trafficking as well as experts from OSCE participating States, the academic community and the International Labour Organization attended.

The workshop, organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the OSCE Department of Management and Finance, highlighted procurement practices that can prevent human trafficking in the organization’s supply chains in line with OSCE commitments on combating human trafficking. Participants discussed inputs from the procurement experts on guidance that is being developed for OSCE procurement staff.

The workshop is part of a wider effort by the OSCE to mobilize international efforts and support OSCE participating States in promoting policies and practices to prevent human trafficking.

It was the first time that staff working in the OSCE’s procurement community, THB experts from across OSCE Executive Structures and Field Operations, and external experts gathered to discuss how to leverage procurement to fight trafficking.  

According to the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Strengthening Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in Human Beings (2017), the OSCE Secretary General has been tasked to review existing policies, audit and reporting procedures and recruitment safeguards, and to ensure that no activities of the OSCE executive structures, including the issuing of contracts for goods and services, contribute to any form of human trafficking.