The XVI Annual Prosecutorial Symposium, held from 16 to 19 October in Neum, brought together over 200 prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals around different panel discussions on criminal matters. The Symposium has, over the years, evolved into a cornerstone event, offering invaluable training opportunities and fostering insightful discourse in the field.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) supported the organization of two panel discussions on the processing of cases related to trafficking in human beings (THB) and hate crimes. These sessions delved into the intricate complexities surrounding the investigation and prosecution of cases related to trafficking in human beings and hate crimes. The panels served as a unique platform for prosecutors and experts to engage in comprehensive discussions, share their expertise, and address pertinent issues within these specialized domains.
The panel on combating trafficking in human beings, jointly supported by the OSCE Mission to BiH, the Atlantic Initiative, the Council of Europe, and International Forum of Solidarity-Emmaus, was focused on assessing the progress made and the challenges that continue to confront the judiciary in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the processing of cases related to trafficking in human beings. Additionally, the panel sought to shed light on the legal and procedural hurdles that persist in this endeavor, while also making efforts to address them.
Trafficking in human beings represents a grave infringement on human rights, characterized by numerous gender-related dimensions. Boris Topić, National Anti-Trafficking Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized the gender-specific nature of this crime, highlighting its impact on women, men, girls, and boys in distinct ways. "This panel was an opportunity to emphasize that a victim's interaction with criminal justice systems is often influenced by gender prejudice and stereotypes related to the ideal victim profile which may lead to inappropriate questioning or even dismissal of victimization claims and denial of victimhood status," Topić concluded.
Sena Uzunović, Judge at the Court of BiH, said: "Trafficking in human beings is a complex crime with many gender-related challenges that stand in the way of holding traffickers accountable and delivering justice to victims. In this panel, participants had an opportunity to learn how to overcome these challenges."
By organizing a panel on combating trafficking in human beings as a part of the Annual Prosecutorial Symposium, the OSCE Mission to BiH marked the European Anti-Trafficking Day, underlining the role of criminal justice professionals in ensuring that victims are heard, recognized and taken seriously.
