The 21th OSCE Alliance Against Trafficking in Human Beings High-Level Conference was held

Between the 14th and 16th of June 2021, the Alliance against trafficking in human beings was held, organised by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)*, which was opened in Vienna, and participants from a number of countries have the opportunity to take part in it online.

The event is attended by over 850 people from 55 countries, 30 international organizations and 300 non-governmental organizations.

On the part of V. Ritchie, the Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings at the OSCE, an invitation was made to participate on the Bulgarian side of the world forum to Mrs. Dobryana Petkova, Secretary of the National Commission against Trafficking in Human Beings, who was the main moderator of one of the busiest sessions discussing the demand for sexual services by victims, encouraging the growth of trafficking.

"This form of trafficking is the most common, both according to various studies, legislative practices, etc., and in terms of the number of identified victims and cases of sexual exploitation investigated.

There are various studies, including projects that address the problem of seeking services offered by victims of trafficking, especially in cases of sexual exploitation, as well as looking at the demand for services offered by prostitutes. An example of this is a study led by the anti-trafficking coordinator in Ireland, with the participation of colleagues from Bulgaria, as well as the latest OSCE periodic report – "Reducing demand for services that promote trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation" (published on 10 June 2021) *

Supply and demand are interconnected and their relationship is complex, especially through human trafficking. Why is that? Because these are terms borrowed from the economy when subjects discuss and freely negotiate their relationship. As regards trafficking in human beings as a substance and a snapshot, we should consider a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability of victims of trafficking.", said Ms. Petkova

"The Bulgarian Penal Code criminalizes the use of services by victims of trafficking, whether in connection with sexual exploitation or other forms of trafficking", she added (Art. 159c of the SP). Very important are the policies and actions towards informing the public that the use of services (including sexual) by victims of trafficking is a crime, as well as attracting partners from the countries of destination, as is the forthcoming prevention campaign of the NCCTHB and State Agency “Combat Against Organised Crime” under the “EMPACT” programme. By initiative of Bulgaria, the campaign will spread to 27 European countries, both in those of victim origin and in destination countries where individuals are exploited.

The main objective of the international conference is to focus on the demand for goods and services offered by victims of trafficking in human beings for labour and sexual exploitation, which further increases the scale of the crime and enhances the exploitation of the victims. According to information from the International Labour Organization (ILO), trafficking in human beings annually generates a profit equivalent to $150 billion, with 95% of profits related to trafficking in human beings for sexual and labour exploitation. These financial revenues incentivise traffickers to involve an increasing number of women, men and children in the crime. Although traffickers receive the profits, it is important to emphasise that, in reality, the amounts are paid by users of services provided by victims of trafficking, and concrete measures should be taken to limit this demand by users.

*The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is the world's largest intergovernmental security organization, which includes all countries in Europe, as well as the United States, Canada and the CIS.

* More information on the main conclusions and recommendations to countries can be found in the publication of the https://www.osce.org/cthb/489388