The OSCE/ODIHR Code of Practice for Ensuring the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking: A Survivor’s Perspective

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) officially launched the Code of Practice for Ensuring the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking on 18 April 2023 at the 23rd Alliance Conference Against Trafficking in Persons in Vienna, Austria. Developed from survivor leader Jerome Elam’s idea for a Victim and Survivor’s Bill of Rights, the Code of Practice seeks to extend relevant international and regional standards for the protection of victims and survivors. To accomplish this, the Code of Practice offers specific guidance to Member States of the OSCE in the treatment, engagement and empowerment of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Drafted in collaboration with the Inaugural OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Board (ISTAC), the ‘Code of Practice’ relies on the lived experience of ISTAC to create an umbrella of knowledge and support to protect victims and survivors. In addition, the Code of Practice seeks to minimize any additional trauma imparted upon victims and survivors upon their engagement by anti-trafficking stakeholders, including governmental organizations, the media and civil society. This is primarily accomplished by giving specific guidance on using trauma informed care in all aspects of victim and survivor identification and recovery and during their involvement with the legal system. The Code of Practice also offers recommendations for gender sensitive, disability sensitive, cultural and religious considerations to be employed by the anti-trafficking community. The role of survivor leaders is highlighted by the Code of Practice and member states are advised to foster the inclusion of survivor leaders in the development and refurbishment of legislation, policies and protocols for addressing the crime of human trafficking. The OSCE/ODIHR Code of Practice is an extension of existing policies and broadens the scope of protecting victim and survivors’ rights so that the opportunity to reclaim their lives is allowed into full bloom. The unique nature of the Code of Practice in using the lived experience of survivor leaders adds a new dimension to the tools used by the anti-trafficking community and expands the reach of the fight against the darkness of human trafficking.