Are OSCE countries making progress on combating trafficking in human beings? Launch of the 2026 Survey Report

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Close to 30,000 victims of human trafficking were reported by the OSCE participated States in 2024 alone. Major policy advances, yet persistent implementation gaps remain. Join us for the official launch of the 2026 Survey Report and explore extensive findings and critical data from the most comprehensive survey of anti-trafficking efforts across the OSCE region.

Over 25 years since the first internationally recognized definition of trafficking in human beings, the OSCE region continues to grapple with this heinous crime. The 2026 Survey reveals a striking paradox: while participating States have achieved remarkable legislative progress, with 98% now having provisions for presumed victims compared to just 75% in 2016, a persistent implementation gap undermines real-world enforcement.

The numbers tell a complex story of both progress and alarm:

• Almost 51,500 victims recorded across the region (2021-2024)
• “Walk-ins" and self-identification tripled between 2021 and 2026, rising from 289 to 882 cases
• Forced begging investigations surged from 8 to 287 between 2016 and 2026
• Investigations of online sexual exploitation exploded from 9 cases (2021) to 1,665 (2026)
• Criminal investigations show sharp increase post-2019 in many countries
• Conviction rates remain critically low despite rising case numbers

As traffickers increasingly leverage encrypted tools and AI technology, are law enforcement agencies keeping pace? With child protection frameworks stronger than ever, why are on-ground measures declining? How is the tripling of incorporation of survivor feedback since 2021 changing how we measure success?

This comprehensive survey of OSCE participating States and NGOs provides crucial evidence to answer these questions and more, tracking progress across key pillars, including victim identification, criminal justice responses, and emerging forms of exploitation.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Kari Johnstone - OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Dr. Dorothea Czarniecki - Lead Researcher and Consultant, OSCE OSR/CTHBOSR/CTHB
Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

H.E. Minister Petre-Florin Manole - Minister of Labor, Youth, Sport and Social Solidarity, Romania

Dr. Conny Rijken - Dutch National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence against Children

Ms. Megan Lundstrom - Lived Experience Expert, United States

Mr. Stefano Pizzicanella - Special Envoy on Human Trafficking Issues, Italy

Ms. Mariana Meshi - Executive Director, NGONGO
non-governmental organization Different & Equal, Albania

Why Attend?

For Policymakers: Gain evidence-based insights to strengthen national anti-trafficking frameworks and bridge implementation gaps. For Practitioners: Discover emerging trends, promising practices, and innovative approaches from across the OSCE region. For Advocates: Access comprehensive data to support your advocacy efforts. For Researchers: Explore comparative analysis across 57 countries and identify areas for future investigation. For Journalists: Access exclusive data and statistics for reporting and build relationships with key sources in the anti-trafficking field. Gain insights into emerging trends.

Register Now

Join government officials, civil society leaders, researchers, and survivors as we examine how to transform policy promises into a reality of protection. 

Registration - Zoom