The OSCE Symposium on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the Mediterranean Region focused on delivering faster and more effective support for vulnerable migrants and trafficking victims across the region. Held at the Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) in Vicenza, the event brought together government officials, anti-trafficking practitioners, and representatives of international organizations to enhance cross-border rescue and prosecution efforts.
Jean-Benoit Manhes, OSCE Deputy Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, highlighted the importance of a coordinated Mediterranean approach, noting that no single country or authority can effectively address human trafficking alone. He emphasized that combining national expertise, experiences, and networks is essential to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen anti-trafficking responses.
The symposium included representatives from Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia—OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation—as well as Italy, Greece, Malta, and Spain, which are OSCE participating States. International organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) also took part, providing expertise and guidance.
Building on the 2024 Mediterranean simulation-based exercise, the event focused on practical collaboration to improve the speed and efficiency of victim protection and cross-border prosecution. Panels addressed lessons learned from prior exercises, emerging trafficking trends, and national best practices, with particular attention to the exploitation of migrant workers, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and online recruitment. Participants emphasized that all vulnerable groups should receive equal protection and support.
Attendees left the symposium with enhanced knowledge, actionable strategies, and strengthened networks to support the prevention, protection, and prosecution of human trafficking across the Mediterranean. The event was organized under the OSCE Extra-Budgetary Project on sustaining multi-agency collaboration through simulation-based training, hosted by CoESPU and the Arma dei Carabinieri, with support from the Permanent Mission of Italy to the OSCE and the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
