The United Kingdom has called for stronger international co-operation to combat human trafficking, warning that criminal networks are increasingly linked to cybercrime, financial crime and drug trafficking.
UK Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Ambassador James Ford delivered the statement to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council, highlighting the security risks posed by trafficking and the need for countries to work together across borders.
Ford welcomed the report presented by OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Kari Johnstone and acknowledged the work of her office.
He said human trafficking sustains organised crime, generates illicit profits and exploits vulnerable people. Conflict, climate change and worsening humanitarian crises are also increasing the risk of exploitation, particularly for children.
UK Highlights Trafficking Victims Forced Into Online Scams
The UK welcomed the OSCE office’s focus on forced criminality, including cases in which trafficking victims are coerced into working in cyber-scam operations.
Ford said some victims are initially identified by authorities as suspected criminals rather than people being exploited.
He stressed the importance of identifying victims early, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance and consistently applying the non-punishment principle.
The principle is intended to prevent trafficking victims from being punished for unlawful acts they were compelled to commit as a result of their exploitation.
Ford said investigations should focus on the people who organise and control trafficking operations and profit from the abuse, rather than those forced to participate in criminal activities.
Digital and Financial Investigations Seen as Key to Disrupting Networks
The UK also expressed support for efforts to connect digital investigations with financial investigations to identify trafficking victims and disrupt criminal networks.
According to Ford, traffickers increasingly use online platforms, deceptive recruitment methods and virtual assets to facilitate their activities.
However, digital and financial records can also provide evidence to identify victims, trace illicit proceeds and help authorities dismantle trafficking networks.
The UK welcomed the OSCE office’s practical tools and training, as well as its co-operation with INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), civil society organisations and private-sector partners.
Britain Supports International Efforts Against Modern Slavery
Ford reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking in all their forms.
He said Britain was working with international partners to address trafficking and forced labour linked to scam centres, protect victims and hold those responsible accountable.
These efforts include the use of targeted sanctions against perpetrators.
The UK is also supporting projects in Southeast Asia aimed at raising awareness of trafficking, improving victim support and reintegration, and strengthening law-enforcement capacity.
OSCE Office Needs Adequate Funding and Staffing
Ford concluded by raising concerns about the financial and staffing constraints facing the OSCE office responsible for combating human trafficking.
He said the organisation’s institutions needed sufficient resources to carry out their assigned responsibilities effectively.
The UK thanked Johnstone and her team for their leadership, practical assistance to participating states and continued commitment to responses that put victims and survivors at the centre of anti-trafficking efforts.
Ford reiterated that effective international co-operation, stronger investigations and adequate resources were necessary to address the growing links between human trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
