Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Human Trafficking for Labor Exploitation is Modern-Day Slavery: OSCE

Human Trafficking  for Labor Exploitation is  Modern-Day Slavery: OSCE

VIENNA – Human trafficking for labor exploitation is a new form of slavery that occurs on a massive scale, the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, said today at an OSCE-hosted conference that highlights how decent work and social justice can prevent it.

The two-day event, which started today, brings together more than 300 senior government officials, national anti-trafficking co-coordinators and rapporteurs, representatives from international and non-governmental organizations, law enforcement agencies and trade unions, as well as employers' organizations and migrants' rights groups. Giammarinaro emphasized that trafficking for labor exploitation is best prevented by building a fair and democratic society that respects human rights and workers' rights and bans all forms of exploitation, including exploitation of migrant workers.

"Inequalities in income, education and opportunities are major root causes of trafficking, inducing many to migrate to seek for a better life. Due to growing inequalities in destination countries exploitation increasingly is seen as 'normal'. Therefore, social justice is at the core of a comprehensive and long-term strategy against trafficking," she said, adding that she worked toward this goal together with the whole Organization, including the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. (OSCE)