in a number of Ministerial Council decisions. These documents have reaffirmed the primary responsibility of OSCE participating States in addressing trafficking. They provide far-reaching recommendations on how to do so and task OSCE institutions, structures and field operations with assisting participating States in this endeavour. These present guiding principles are intended for use by state authorities and civil society bodies, as well as inter-governmental organizations in the OSCE region involved in developing, applying, evaluating and reforming national laws, policies and practices related to trafficking, in particular to the return of trafficked persons. They provide the target audience with guidance that can be used to direct policies, procedures and practices on the return process, as well as an overview of relevant international standards. The guiding principles can also serve as an advocacy tool for civil society organizations that support a rights-based approach to combating trafficking. I am confident that these principles will provide a solid basis for co-operation between participating States in developing policies that not only help to strengthen collective responses to human trafficking, but also contribute to advancing the security and protection needs of those who are most vulnerable to this crime. Michael Georg Link Director OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights 12 Guiding Principles on Human Rights in the Return of Trafficked Persons