Root Causes of Trafficking

• Trafficking is influenced by diverse social, economic, cultural, and other factors.
• Common factors:
  • Desire of victims to migrate exploited by offenders.
  • Local conditions pushing migration:
    • Poverty, lack of human rights, social/economic opportunities, conflict.
    • Political instability, war, civil unrest, natural disasters increasing vulnerability.
  • Parents selling children due to poverty, hoping for better opportunities.
  • Expansion of media increasing migration desires.
  • Devaluation of women and girls increasing vulnerability.
  • Porous borders and corrupt officials facilitate trafficking.
  • Lack of legislation or enforcement.

Addressing Root Causes

• OSCE Action Plan: Focused on economic and social policies to combat trafficking.
• Prevention strategies:
  • Reducing vulnerability through social and economic development.
  • Discouraging demand for trafficked persons' services.
  • Public education.
  • Border control.
  • Preventing corruption.

Recommended Actions

In Countries of Origin:

• Prioritize social, economic, and political stability.
• Reduce migration and trafficking supply factors.
• Promote economic development and social inclusion.
• Improve access to education, especially for girls and minorities.
• Enhance job opportunities for women, focusing on SMEs.

In Countries of Destination:

• Reduce invisibility of exploitation via monitoring and administrative controls.
• Consider liberalizing labor markets to increase employment opportunities.
• Address unprotected and illegal labor issues.
• Tackle underground economic activities.

Common Actions:

• Increase social protection and employment opportunities.
• Eliminate employment discrimination against women.
• Address minority discrimination.
• Develop programs for basic education and entrepreneurship.
• Encourage gender sensitization to prevent violence against women.
• Ensure equal access to economic and financial resources for women.
• Promote flexible financing and microcredit.
• Support good governance and transparency.
• Discourage demand fostering exploitation through legislation and cooperation.

OSCE Action Plan

• Full text available at: OSCE Action Plan