Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) – Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valentin Rybakov called for the intensification of international efforts to combat trafficking in human beings at the thematic event at the UN on 18 May, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Valentin Rybakov attended the thematic meeting dedicated to combating violence against children, exploitation and trafficking in children as an honorable guest. The event was organized by the delegations of Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, Sweden, and Tanzania. “In his statement the Belarusian diplomat noted the need to intensify concerted efforts against human trafficking and the existing international mechanisms in the United Nations to combat trafficking in persons. Valentin Rybakov also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to this issue to ensure successful achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery,” the press service noted.

Valentin Rybakov drew attention of the meeting participants to the High-Level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to review the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons scheduled for 2017. The Belarusian diplomat called for active participation of all stakeholders in preparation of this important event of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking was created in 2010 at the initiative of Belarus. The Group consists of 24 member states from all regions of the world. It was primarily due to the initiative and persistence of the Group that the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.