On the Participation of Belarus’ Delegation in the High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on Combating against Trafficking in Persons
14 May 2013
On May 13, 2013 the High-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to appraise the progress in implementation of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons began its work at the UN Headquarters in New York.
This truly landmark meeting is the first event on trafficking in persons of this level and scope ever organised at the United Nations by the initiative of Belarus find a wide positive response of the international community.
Dignitaries from more than 20 countries including ministers, parliamentarians and national coordinators on combating trafficking in persons delivered statements to the General Assembly on the first day of the High-level meeting.
The plenary meeting of the General Assembly is focused on achievements, gaps and perspectives of implementation of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which elaboration and adoption by United Nations was initiated by Belarus three years ago.
The Delegation of the Republic of Belarus at this important international forum is headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mr.Valentin Rybakov.
The representative of Belarus underlined that the Global Plan has been the first comprehensive document aimed at the eradication of modern-day slavery, and an important tool of coordination of international efforts in the global fight against human trafficking.
The Global Plan set up an effective mechanism for practical assistance to the victims of this crime — Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking.
Mr.Valentin Rybakov informed the participants of the High-level meeting that the Republic of Belarus had made a decision on the allocation of its second contribution to the Trust Fund USD 50,000, and urged other countries to follow the suit.
The representative of Belarus also drew attention to the trafficking in persons for the purposes of removal of organs, tissues and cells, and called on all partners to address this problem.
The UN leaderships including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of the UN General Assembly V. Jeremić, Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Y.Fedotov, Assistant Secretary-General, Acting Head of “UN Women” L.Pury and heads of other UN agencies are taking an active part in the High-level meeting.
Among the participants of the event are representatives of all UN Member States, international organizations, the private sector and media. Civil society is represented by more than 100 international and national NGOs, as well as former victims of trafficking in persons.
The High-level meeting consists of a plenary session as well as interactive discussions focused on different aspects of fighting trafficking in persons, and will continue its work on May 14 2013.
