OSCE Alliance leads global effort against forced criminality

VIENNA, 20 April 2026 - The 26th OSCE Alliance against Trafficking in Persons Conference opened today in Vienna under the theme "The Rise of Forced Criminality: Addressing a Security Blind Spot." The event brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to address forced criminality, one of the fastest growing and least understood forms of human trafficking.

The share of identified trafficking victims compelled into criminal activity reported to the OSCE has risen from about 1 percent in 2018 to 17 percent in 2024 across the OSCE region, although most participating States have not detected large numbers of such cases. The majority of victims, coerced into drug trafficking, theft, fraud, or even violent offenses, are children and young adults under 25. Digital technologies accelerate this exploitation: criminal networks recruit victims online, use encrypted communications, and launder illicit profits through virtual assets.

"Forced criminality is not only a human rights issue-it is a multi-dimensional security threat. We must recognize that conflicts and crises create fertile ground for this form of exploitation. Displacement, economic hardship, and weakened protection systems increase vulnerability. Therefore, a cross-dimensional and co-ordinated response, that is effective and centred on the protection of victims, is more necessary than ever. In this context, inclusive dialogue is of critical importance. With the OSCE Alliance Conference, we are providing that unique platform: across borders, across sectors, and across perspectives," said OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu in his remarks.

"Trafficking for forced criminality has become a defining challenge for our security, justice, and protection systems," said OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Kari Johnstone. "The scale of what we face is clear, and so is the cost of inaction. This must change, and it can. This conference is an opportunity to strengthen our systems, close long-standing gaps in protection and identification, and ensure that our responses are both victim-centered and security-informed."

"Human trafficking for the purpose of exploitation is one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime. In this process, the victims themselves are turned into perpetrators. We must not allow this," said Beat Jans, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police of Switzerland, on behalf of the 2026 OSCE Chairpersonship.

As human trafficking is increasingly linked to other crimes committed by transnational organized criminal groups, it is a growing security threat across the OSCE region. Forced criminality harms States' security as it increasingly fuels drug trafficking, financial fraud and scams, and relies on the growing misuse of artificial intelligence. When shrinking State resources are used to prosecute trafficking victims rather than the real criminals, it exacerbates impunity and erodes rule of law. It takes a huge economic toll and devastates human security, dignity, and rights.

The conference's first day examined how forced criminality challenges traditional distinctions between exploitation and criminality, exposing gaps in identification, protection, and justice. Participants emphasized the need for a paradigm shift to victim-centered, rights-based, and security-informed approaches. They reinforced the importance of a consistent application of the principle of non-punishment, ensuring victims are not prosecuted for crimes they were coerced into committing during their trafficking exploitation.

The conference will continue on 21 April 2026, with panels on good practices in victim identification and protection, and a closing session focused on translating insights into concrete policy and operational actions.

Follow the conference live here: http://osce.org/live