Collaborative efforts and role of private sector in combating human trafficking and labor exploitation highlighted at conference and roundtable in Bulgaria

More than 50 government officials, business and civil society representatives gathered in Sofia to discuss collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking for labor exploitation. Organized 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, and supported by the Bulgarian National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings , the event encouraged dialogue and intensified action. towards the implementation of ethical supply chains in Bulgaria.

Held on May 28, 2024, the conference addressed the critical role of the private sector in overcoming these challenges and presented policy and legal developments in human rights due diligence. It also facilitated the exchange of best practices and lessons learned to identify and mitigate risks of human trafficking and labor exploitation in supply chains. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, private sector actors, professional associations, chambers of commerce, labor inspectors, public procurement practitioners, unions, civil society, diplomatic representatives and international organizations.

“Trafficking for labor exploitation can occur across all sectors of the economy, at different stages of business supply chains and as a result of public procurement practices. The fight against this form of trafficking requires coordinated action between states, businesses, non-governmental organizations and trade unions as well as the support of free media,” underlined Petya Nestorova, Head of the Anti-Trafficking Division of the Human Rights Council. 'Europe.

“Government policies must ensure a coordinated and effective approach to due diligence, providing businesses with appropriate laws and guidance to prevent direct or indirect involvement in human trafficking,” said Vanya Stoyneva, head of the office. policy of the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Cabinet. of the National Commission to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCTHB).

On May 29, the Business Roundtable on Human Rights Due Diligence took place in partnership with the Bulgarian UN Global Compact Network and the German Helpdesk for Business and Human Rights man. This roundtable provided an interactive platform for in-depth discussions on human rights due diligence, focusing on the impact of political and legal developments for the private sector, including the new directive European Union on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD). Participants benefited from expert advice on improving compliance with human rights standards and explored support mechanisms to improve their due diligence practices.

“Collaboration with the private sector is essential, and not just beneficial. Through increased engagement and collaboration with businesses, we can make significant progress in tackling human rights violations in the supply chain, including human trafficking for exploitation through work,” said Julia Schellhaas, Senior Advisor for Supply Chains of the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co. Counter-Trafficking Coordinator

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

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