Risk assessment and prevention of human trafficking in supply chains focus of OSCE Mission to Montenegro conference
Measures to prevent human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in supply chains is the focus of the two-day conference that stared on 10 May 2022 in Budva, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in co-operation with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB).
More than 20 representatives of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Employers, labour inspection, large retail chains and NGO representatives gathered to discuss current institutional and legal solutions in Montenegro in relation to the topic. Two experts from the OSCE OSR/CTHB office will deliver a presentation on the Model Guidelines on Government Measures to Prevent Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains.
Opening the conference, Dominique Waag, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro said that Montenegrin private companies, while developing their international trade, should document compliance with policies and procedures that prevent human trafficking and exploitation, and show due diligence in respecting human rights.
“Trafficking for labour exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of human trafficking. Participating States are encouraged to take appropriate measures to eradicate fraudulent recruitment and employment practices leading to exploitation. We must reinforce the role of labour inspectors in coordination with police services to prevent and deter human trafficking.” said Ambassador Waag.
Filip Adžić, Minister of Interior in the Government of Montenegro, said that Montenegro has ratified the most important international documents in this field. “We recognize that the best mechanism to counter human trafficking is through a strong working partnership amongst state bodies, NGOs and international organizations,” said Minister Adžić, adding that Montenegro has a complete system that includes activities from the identification of victims of human trafficking to their full integration into society.
Minister Adžić pointed out that the Recommendations of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings on the need to enhance anti-trafficking prevention amid mass migration flows have been received with due care and their implementation will be intensively monitored.
During the conference, the German experience in combating human trafficking in supply chains will be presented by German Ambassador Robert Weber, as well as the U.S perspective and their approach to public procurement and employment policies.