Fourth OSCE workshop on the prevention of trafficking in human beings in supply chains opens in Astana

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 16 June 2017 - A two-day workshop on the “Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings in Supply Chains through Government Practices and Measures” opened yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan in Astana.

The event gathered representatives from international organizations, NGOs and OSCE participating States (Azerbaijan, Denmark, France, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, UK, USA, and Turkmenistan), as well as experts from Australia and Brazil, for an active and lively debate.

Workshop participants examined how national authorities can effectively implement OSCE commitments which encourage participating States to work with the private sector to apply principles of due diligence and transparency when assessing and addressing risks of labour exploitation throughout supply chains. Mechanisms for workers to redress and remedy abusive practices were also discussed.

“Public procurement processes, fair recruitment practices, and transparency by private sector companies, if accompanied by appropriate incentives and enforcement measures, can have a great influence on preventing human trafficking in supply chains,” said Madina Jarbussynova, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. “To make this a reality, we are developing model guidelines as a practical tool for States, and engaging in partnerships to ensure that all relevant stakeholders do their part.”

“Events like the OSCE workshop are not only a great platform to exchange knowledge and good practices between experts from different countries, they also contribute to the strengthening of co-operation in the OSCE area in general, by promoting dialogue and mutual understanding,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Vassilenko.

At Astana-Expo2017, the OSCE and Switzerland also co-organized a side event on preventing human trafficking in supply chains, related in particular to Energy and Extractive Industries. The side event provided a forum for dialogue on how companies in the energy and extractive industries can prevent human trafficking in their supply chains by identifying and mitigating human trafficking risks, mapping suppliers, standardizing supplier labour practices, internalizing costs associated with THB, managing reputational risks and increasing transparency and respect for human rights.