This April the Natolin Security and Defence Society (NSDS) is running a series of European Security Webinars. The third instalment this month addressed human trafficking in in Europe.
The participants discussed the main types of human trafficking, the role of international organisations in helping states counter such trafficking, and the many ways the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns are affecting trafficking. A special emphasis was put on trafficked women, and the legal obligation of states to defend human rights.
Our speakers included:
- Ms Tatiana KOTLYARENKO, Advisor on Anti-Human Trafficking Issues at the OSCE-ODIHR
- Prof. Ryszard PIOTROWICZ, Professor of Law at the University of Aberystwyth and Vice President of GRETA at the Council of Europe
- Mr Daniel REDONDO, Migrant Assistance Specialist at the International Organization for Migration for the EU, EEA and NATO
- Mr Duco VAN HEEL, Vulnerable Groups Coordinator at FRO of Frontex
The conversation was moderated by Ms Karalyn GARDNER from the Natolin Security and Defence Society.
The audience of 50 people – based in Europe, the United States and the Middle East – was quite varied, including students from both Natolin and Bruges campuses, doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, professors, interpreters, project officers, lawyers, embassy attachés, parliamentary assistants, and officials from ICMPD, IOM, OSCE, NATO, and the European Commission.
