On Thursday, Ocotber 19th, 2023, The Vienna School of International Studies played host to the Vienna Conference on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings. The event brought together a diverse range of experts, officials, and advocates to discuss the pressing issues surrounding human trafficking and to outline strategies for its prevention and eradication.

In Particular, Diane SCHMITT, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, emphasized the need to raise awareness about human trafficking and adopt a comprehensive approach to combat this grave issue. Her key points included:

• Raising awareness about trafficking and its various forms, which include labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced criminality, and their links to drug trafficking and money laundering.
• The importance of preventing human trafficking by implementing measures to protect potential victims.
• The necessity of training all stakeholders to identify and rescue victims, including online, and urging online platforms and social media to do more to combat human trafficking.
• Highlighting the global nature of human trafficking and advocating for a comprehensive approach to address it.
• Stressed that everyone has a role to play in preventing and combating human trafficking.

Furthermore, Nikolaus MARSCHIK, the Austrian Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, shed light on the link between armed conflicts and the increased vulnerability of potential trafficking victims. He underscored the following points:

• The increased vulnerability of individuals to human trafficking in regions plagued by armed conflicts.
• The importance of adapting responses to human trafficking, including addressing online forms of trafficking.
• Emphasized the critical role of cooperation between governments and civil society in combating trafficking.
• Highlighted the need to address root causes, including integrating human rights diligence in supply chains and public procurements.
• Suggested that various stakeholders, including airline crews, should be trained to identify trafficking victims.

 Additionally, Volker TÜRK, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made several important observations and recommendations through a video message:

• Human trafficking is the third most lucrative criminal activity globally.
• Migrants are particularly vulnerable in countries of origin, transit, and destination.
• The response to human trafficking must continually adapt, including addressing online trafficking.
• Strongly stressed the importance of cooperation between governments and civil society.
• Advocated for tackling root causes and incorporating human rights diligence in supply chains and public procurements.
• Highlighted the need to train various professionals, including airline crews, to identify trafficking victims.

Moreover, Mrs. Petya NESTOROVA, the Executive Secretary of GRETA (the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings), expressed her concerns and recommendations regarding human trafficking:

• Urged for increased efforts in combating human trafficking domestically.
• Highlighted the lack of convictions for human trafficking cases.
• Mentioned the new recommendation from the Council of Europe (COE) asking for more training and financial resources to combat human trafficking.
• Emphasized the need for financial investigations and training on digital evidence.
• Advocated for the promotion of coordinated action and the exchange of information.
• Stressed the vulnerability of people fleeing armed conflicts to traffickers and the importance of not forgetting the non-punishment principle outlined in Article 26 of the COE Convention against Human Trafficking.

On behalf of the Sovereign Order of Malta, H.E. Sebastian Prinz von Schoenaich-Carolath, Ambassador of the Order to Austria and H.E. Prof. Michel Veuthey, Ambassador to monitor and combat trafficking in persons, attended the Conference. In the final session, Ambassador Veuthey intervened, emphasizing the significance of training for stakeholders in addressing human trafficking and questioning the appropriateness of making pledges on this matter.

The next Conference shall take place next year on Thursday, October 17^th, 2024.

The agenda of the Conference can be find HERE