OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine trains consular officials on human trafficking

KYIV, 13 October 2005 - More than 80 representatives of foreign embassies and consulates, Ukrainian ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and other international organizations gathered today in Kyiv for a two-day anti-trafficking course.

The training course, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) in co-operation with the Canadian Embassy and the NGO La Strada-Ukraine as part of a comprehensive national anti-trafficking programme, will focus on victim identification, best practices, and current trafficking and anti-trafficking trends in Ukraine.

Other discussion topics will include the services available to victims returning to Ukraine and awareness-raising materials in foreign diplomatic missions.

"The fight against trafficking in human beings is a top priority for the OSCE. Trafficking is a complex problem, and preventing and combating it requires complex responses which cut across all three dimensions of OSCE work. The Office of the Co-ordinator stands ready to provide all appropriate support to Ukraine's anti-trafficking efforts," said Ambassador James Schumaker, OSCE Project Co-ordinator.

This is the third in a series of training sessions on trafficking in persons hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv for consular and visa staff of foreign diplomatic missions.

Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine, Abina Dann said it was, "vital at this critical period in Ukraine's history to prevent the trafficking of vulnerable members of society.

"Canada applauds Ukraine's efforts to counter human trafficking, and welcomes its commitment to developing a four-year plan for prevention and victim rehabilitation. We are pleased to join with other foreign missions, international agencies and non-governmental organizations in working with Ukraine to curb this tragic phenomenon," she added.