Vienna Forum for Combating Trafficking in People, 13-15 February

"The extent and diversity of human trafficking is increasing rapidly. It is a global problem. People are trafficked like cars or machines; like drugs or weapons, whole or in parts, and are used as sources of spare parts. We must respond with specific targeted measures," stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik today. The Vienna Forum for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings will take place from 13-15 February as part of the UN Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN GIFT).

"Human trafficking in the global village has many outrageous facets. The victims of this particularly despicable violation of human rights in the 21st century are primarily the weakest members of our societies: women and children in situations in which they are particularly vulnerable. We must raise awareness of this. The pro-active commitment of individuals is therefore especially important. Oscar winner Emma Thompson, whom I met in Vienna today, is an example of this crucial help and support. Every country, including Austria, is affected by human trafficking in some way - be it as a country of origin or transit or as a destination," stated Plassnik.

The Foreign Minister explicitly called for "agreement on concrete objectives for effective cooperation and determined implementation of these aims. The response of the community of states must be threefold: curbing crime, helping victims and eliminating causes. 2.7 million people become victims of human trafficking every year. Human trafficking is organised crime’s third most important source of income after arms smuggling and drug dealing."

"I welcome the decision to hold the Vienna Forum. Supporting the work of the office of the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a key concern of mine. The involvement of non-governmental organisations, as exemplified by the Vienna Forum, is also an important element of the Austrian National Action Plan against Human Trafficking for the years 2007 and 2008," continued Plassnik.

The Foreign Minister also pointed out that "the Austrian approach to combating human trafficking is comprehensive, comprising national coordination, prevention, protection of victims, prosecution and international cooperation. The task force for human trafficking, which was established in my Ministry under the Action Plan, is an important tool for tracking the latest international developments and drawing the respective consequences. In June 2006 Austria became the first EU country to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings which entered into force at the beginning of February this year. To be more effective within a larger framework we are supporting Austrian Development Cooperation projects against human trafficking with a focus on Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania," concluded the Foreign Minister.

Contact:

Federal Ministry for
European and international Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: ++43 (0) 50 1159-213
E-Mail: abti3@bmeia.gv.at