OSCE highlights the role of the private sector at an anti-trafficking event in Bulgaria

More than 50 public officials, business and civil society representatives gathered in Sofia to discuss joint efforts to address human trafficking for labor exploitation. Hosted by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Council of Europe, with the support of the Bulgarian National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, the event encouraged dialogue and intensified actions towards the implementation of ethical supply chains In Bulgaria.

The conference, held on May 28, 2024, discussed the key role of the private sector in addressing these challenges and outlined developments in human rights due diligence policy and law. It also facilitated the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in identifying and mitigating risks related to human trafficking and labor exploitation in supply chains. The event brought together representatives of government bodies, private sector stakeholders, business associations, chambers of commerce, labor inspectors, public procurement specialists, trade unions, civil society, diplomatic representatives and international organizations.

“Trade for the exploitation of workers can occur in all sectors of the economy, at various stages of business supply chains and as a consequence of public procurement practices. Combating this form of trafficking in human beings requires coordinated action by states, businesses, non-governmental organizations and trade unions, as well as the support of free media, noted Petya Nestorova, head of the Council of Europe’s Anti-Trafficking Unit.

“Government policy should ensure a coordinated and effective approach to due diligence, providing companies with appropriate regulations and guidelines to prevent direct or indirect involvement in human trafficking,” said Vanya Stoyneva, head of the political office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria and chair of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Persons ( NCCTHB).

On May 29, the Business Roundtable on Human Rights Due Diligence took place in cooperation with the UN Global Compact Bulgaria Network and the German Business and Human Rights Helpdesk. This roundtable provided an interactive platform for in-depth discussions on human rights due diligence, focusing on the impact of political and legal developments on the private sector, including the newly approved EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Participants gained insights from experts on improving compliance with human rights standards and explored support mechanisms to improve their due diligence practices.

“Cooperation with the private sector is necessary, not just beneficial. Through increased engagement and cooperation with businesses, we can make significant progress in addressing human rights violations in the supply chain, including human trafficking for labor exploitation,” said Julia Schellhaas, Senior Advisor on Supply Chains at the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Coordinator for . Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Related events highlighted the key role of the private sector in combating human trafficking and labor exploitation. They also stressed the need for joint efforts by public and private actors to support ethical supply chains.