3.2 Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Introduction In line with the MC Decisions No. 02/03 and No. 3/06, the OSR/CTHB is mandated to address all forms of THB, to ensure the co-ordination of the OSCE’s efforts in combating THB across all three dimensions and to act as a focal point for the OSCE’s efforts in this area. In 2019, the Office continued its efforts to support participating States and Partners for Co-operation in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking and protecting its victims in line with the OSCE anti-trafficking commitments and recommendations set forth in the 2003 OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, its 2005 and 2013 Addenda as well as the 2017-2018 MC Decisions. A number of research activities, including on the current challenges in addressing THB, was supported through awareness-raising and capacity-building efforts, including training, workshops and live simulation-based exercises. Particular attention was dedicated to situations of increased vulnerability and to vulnerable groups, such as women and children. The OSR/CTHB further developed core programmes around thematic areas of greatest need and potential impact, including combating human trafficking along migration routes, ending child trafficking, preventing THB in supply chains, and using technology to combat THB. The OSR/CTHB co-operated with relevant thematic units in other OSCE executive structures in delivering projects and joint activities through its network of Anti-Trafficking Focal Points, which included co-operation with TNTD/SPMU on issues of mutual concern, including policerelated matters. Activities Related to Threats Posed by Criminal Activity Trafficking in Human Beings and Migration-related Crime In recent years, the OSR/CTHB has been actively engaged in assisting participating States and Partners for Co-operation to better address migration-related human trafficking challenges in line with OSCE commitments. Following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders from the participating States most affected by the influx of migrants, in March, the OSR/CTHB published its Uniform Guidelines for the Identification and Referral of Victims of Human Trafficking within the Migrant and Refugee Reception Framework in the OSCE Region. The document offers a set of practical measures designed to enhance the identification of victims of human trafficking by front-line professionals engaged in migrant and refugee reception procedures in the OSCE region. 36 On 18 July, in co-operation with FOs in the SEE, the OSR/ CTHB organized a workshop in Sarajevo on identifying victims of human trafficking in migration flows. More than 40 practitioners from six countries of the region participated in the workshop, which focused on how the guidelines could be adapted to national legislation and operations in SEE. Participants included practitioners who interact on daily with people ‘on the move’ along the Western Balkan migration route, including representatives of law enforcement, migration agencies, public social services, civil society, and international organizations. Simulation-based trainings remained part of ongoing efforts by the OSR/CTHB to enhance countries’ capacities in identifying and assisting victims through multi-national and cross-sectoral approaches. On 7 March, the OSR/CTHB published a Practical Handbook on How to Conduct Simulation-based Training Exercises to