The ODIHR has been supporting NGOs from various re- policies. Upon request from participating States and in gions of the OSCE in their efforts to establish and run consultation with OSCE field missions, the ODIHR pro- hotlines since 2001. In 2004, the ODIHR supported an vides expertise for these processes, which should result initiative of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine in a more consistent, human-rights-based response. to organize a training seminar in Kyiv in November for NGOs managing hotlines. The seminar provided partic- In the short term, the area that demands the most ur- ipants with training, as well as materials and other rel- gent and effective response is the need for better evant information; enabled participants to share their human-rights protection for victims and at-risk groups, experiences; provided hotline operators with the latest e.g., women, young people, and migrant workers. A information available on anti-trafficking hotline activi- common starting point is the definition of trafficking ties; identified best practices and recommendations for as found in the UN Anti-Trafficking Protocol. In prac- hotline consultants; facilitated the networking of tice, however, a common definition is not enough to NGOs running hotlines in countries of origin, transit, clarify the responsibilities and competencies of law-en- and destination; and identified key problems in the use forcement personnel, non-governmental organiza- of hotlines as a tool to counter trafficking. tions, and others who may come into contact with a victim of trafficking. Between 2002 and 2004, the ODIHR conducted a project in the Caucasus region that focused on improving There is a compelling need for clearer guidance on the capacity of women’s NGOs to combat trafficking in how to identify victims, how to investigate related human beings, mainly though raising awareness of the crimes, and how to co-ordinate assistance. The ODIHR issue. The project has had an important lasting effect, has therefore supported the development of National as the original 60 participants each conducted five sub- Referral Mechanisms (NRM) that aim to secure the sequent training sessions for more women in their protection of the human rights of trafficked persons home countries. An evaluation workshop held in by state actors acting in co-ordination with civil socie- March 2004 showed that many of these women were ty and others dealing with trafficking victims. conducting awareness-raising activities in their own regions, including seminars, training sessions, and round- During an internal OSCE regional co-ordination meet- tables; collecting data on trafficking cases and provid- ing held in Sarajevo in June 2002, it was agreed that ing advice to potential migrants. Moreover, the project the establishment of such National Referral Mecha- has resulted in the creation of an informal network of nisms is a key pri- gender experts throughout the region, who now share information, materials, and best practices with one an- ority for ongoing other. The follow-up workshop also highlighted areas OSCE anti-traffick- where the ODIHR could develop further projects. ing efforts. In 2004, the ODIHR published English 2. Developing a handbook on National Referral Mechanisms and Russian versions of a handbook on National Referral Mecha- As the fight against trafficking is still a relatively new nisms. This is a area in the human-rights field, there is much work to practical tool that be done in developing and refining standards and both governments 36