site.btaDeputy Prime Minister: Human Trafficking Affecting Most Vulnerable Groups in Society
Human trafficking is not just a crime, it is a deep social and economic phenomenon that affects the most vulnerable groups in society, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said here on Wednesday. He participated in the Policy Laboratory on "Models of National Rapporteurs for Combating Human Trafficking".
Zafirov, who is also the chair of the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking, stressed that over 90 victims of trafficking were identified as a result of the sustainable implementation of the National Mechanism for Referral and Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking. He pointed out that as a member state of the European Union and as a party to all international treaties in this field Bulgaria has made clear commitments to combat human trafficking.
During the mandate of the outgoing government, Bulgaria has established and upgraded the national policy for combating human trafficking through consistent institutional, legislative and operational measures, he said, adding that coordination between national and local structures has been strengthened, functioning as an active and sustainable network oriented towards prevention, early identification and protection of victims. A number of targeted trainings for professionals have been implemented as well, aimed at increasing the capacity to recognize risks and improving identification processes.
"At the same time, we are aware that sustainable and effective policies require not only coordination and implementation, but also independent, objective and professional monitoring based on reliable data and in-depth analyses. This is where the role of the National Rapporteur acquires strategic importance as a tool for transparency, accountability and informed political decision-making," Zafirov pointed out. He noted that it is particularly important that today's discussion emphasizes data as the basis for effective policies. "In a world of rapidly changing risks and new forms of exploitation, decisions must be based on systematic analysis, comparable data and a real assessment of the impact of the measures taken," the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister commented.
The event is organized by the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking and the Observatory for Policies and Citizens NGO, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria.
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