site.btaThree-day Forum on Combating Human Trafficking Opens in Sofia

The opening of three-day international conference on strengthening justice systems through a coordinated European response against human trafficking took place in Sofia on Tuesday.

The event was organized by Bulgaria's National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) and the International Justice Mission (IJM), with the participation of partner institutions from Romania and across Europe. The forum will run until May 21 and includes representatives of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Europol, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the European Labour Authority, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, as well as magistrates, prosecutors and experts from Bulgaria, Romania, France and the United Kingdom.

On Tuesday, the conference was attended by US Charge d’Affaires H. Martin McDowell, NCCTHB Secretary Daniela Seveklieva, and the chair of the Special Commission for Combating Human Trafficking in the Romanian Parliament, Diana Tusa. 

NCCTHB Secretary Daniela Seveklieva said that human trafficking remains one of the gravest violations of human rights and one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime in Europe. She added that criminal networks are becoming increasingly adaptable and are using digital tools and cross-border mechanisms in their activities. Seveklieva stressed that forums such as the conference provide an opportunity to discuss ways to improve cross-border investigations, make better use of technology and ensure protection and long-term support for victims.

US Charge d’Affaires H. Martin McDowell said that "it would be wonderful to have colleagues from the European Union, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Greece. the European Union, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Greece." Their problems are the same as those of the countries represented at the conference, the diplomat noted. McDowell thanked those present, as their efforts make the US a safe country, and reaffirmed the US administration’s commitment to combating human trafficking.

Diana Tusa, Chair of the Special Commission for Combating Human Trafficking in the Romanian Parliament, said that the conference sends an important message that countries are not fragmented in their response to trafficking and are cooperating across borders. "We are witnessing the evolution of human trafficking across Europe," she underlined, adding that judicial systems must keep pace with increasingly adaptable criminal networks. According to Tusa, criminals cooperate more effectively than states because they are not constrained by differing legal definitions. Unless this gap is addressed, traffickers will continue to stay ahead of authorities, she warned.