Conference on international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
On 16 September 2009 in Baku (Azerbaijan) was a conference that was devoted to issues of international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. One of the main guests of the conference was President of the Foundation – Jolanta Kwaśniewska.
An international conference „Human trafficking at a crossroads.”
International conference on the fight against human trafficking was held in Manama (Bahrain) on 1-3 March 2009. Jolanta Kwaśniewska took part in it both as a member of the Women Leaders’ Council and as a principal member of Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement – co-organizer of the conference.
Taking into account the location, the Middle East plays a very important role in the fight against human trafficking. Bahrain is both, a destination for trafficking victims and as a country of transit. Therefore, the country has decided to host a conference on public-private cooperation in order to enhance fast and effective cooperation to reduce victims’ exploitation and suffering.
With the help of Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement in January 2006, „Athens Ethical Principles” were originated. These rules have been created by entrepreneurs and their main aim is to approach “zero tolerance” for human trafficking in business. Antonio Maria Costa, an Executive Director of UNODC, fully supports the involvement of the private sector. „Public-private partnership is an opportunity to eliminate the supply chain, and thus being far away from store shelves and the goods produced by slaves.” (Part of Director Antonio Maria Costa’s speech in the second day of the conference). The complex nature of the fight against this crime requires the involvement of all stakeholders. „Our main challenge is to ensure cleanliness at all production chain stages, including contractors, recruitment and employment agencies. For further inspiration, I encourage everyone to re-look at the „Athens Ethical Principles” and „Handbook for Employers & Business to combat forced labour” – these materials provide an excellent illustration of what we can do together and what each can do individually” –Director Costa added.
The conference was concluded by Manama Declaration - Manama Declaration on Human Trafficking at the Crossroads.
