Combating human trafficking

Trafficking in human beings (THB), a modern form of slavery, is a complex and multidimensional crime that severely violates human rights and dignity. It affects all OSCE participating States and often transcends borders, requiring international, national and regional co-operation. THB can affect individuals of any gender, age, race or religion. OSCE participating States have committed to taking action to prevent THB, prosecute perpetrators, and protect victims. The OSCE supports participating States by assisting in implementing commitments and developing effective policies to combat THB.

This is the second public report by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the monitoring of human trafficking and related cases completed before courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a review of relevant international standards and the national anti-trafficking legal framework, it examines abilities of the national criminal justice system to: effectively prosecute human trafficking and adequately punish those responsible for it; treat victims with dignity while protecting them from harmful consequences of their involvement in criminal proceedings; and facilitate victims’ right to seek compensation from offenders. The report closes with specific recommendations targeted at several key actors. These aim to improve the criminal justice response to human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This Occasional Paper highlights the importance of addressing the demand that fosters trafficking for sexual exploitation, in particular the exploitation of the prostitution of others. In doing so, it puts a spotlight on the role of demand in encouraging exploitation and causing harm to victims; outlines the scope of the international obligations and commitments of States to discourage demand; analyses the ways in which States have responded to these obligations and commitments in their criminal justice and prevention practices; and offers recommendations on how to better incorporate demand into national efforts. The primary aim of the paper is to support and enhance the implementation of State-led responses to demand.