Rising demand for foreign labour in Bosnia and Herzegovina's supply chains could create fertile ground for criminal networks. These networks can exploit demand by luring potential victims of trafficking with false promises of employment and trapping them in exploitative conditions, particularly where safeguards are weak. Against this backdrop, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, today opened a two-day workshop titled "Preventing Human Trafficking in Supply Chains: Labour Migration and the Hospitality Sector" in Sarajevo.
The workshop brings together representatives from the private sector, labour inspectors, judges, prosecutors, police agencies and civil society to strengthen the institutional and operational response to human trafficking in supply chains. It focuses in particular on labour migration and the hospitality sector, which are recognised as areas of increased vulnerability.
Participants are discussing current trends and challenges, relevant international and European standards, and the OSCE's expectations on responsible business conduct. Special emphasis is being placed on applying due diligence practices in supplier relationships within the hospitality sector, to prevent exploitation and enhance accountability across supply chains.
"Businesses increasingly depend on foreign workers, a trend clearly illustrated by the hospitality sector's significant reliance on workers from Asia. This transition presents both opportunities and responsibilities in ensuring that supply chains and labour markets are transparent, functional, and human rights-compliant," said Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "If we act now to strengthen supply chains and establish robust safeguards, we can ensure that legitimate labour migration serves economic development and provides real opportunities for workers."
Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings said: "Combating trafficking in human beings requires a whole-of-society approach as no one can succeed alone. As demand for foreign labour grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the hospitality sector, strong co-operation among the private sector, public authorities, international organizations, and civil society is essential to ensure that supply chains are free from human trafficking."
Speaking about the efforts of state institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica Bošnjak, Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted that the country is at an early stage of establishing a systematic response to this issue, as foreseen by the 2024-2027 national strategy. "Special focus will be placed on the involvement of state institutions, such as public procurement agencies and labour inspectorates, as well as chambers of commerce and the private sector, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and sustainable response to this problem," he said.
The workshop forms part of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina's wider efforts to strengthen the capacity of authorities to combat trafficking in human beings, including by enhancing co-operation with the private sector and promoting responsible business practices.
