KYIV, 1 November 2005 – A study of labour markets in ten Ukrainian regions most affected by human trafficking, conducted under an European Union (EU) project, was today presented at a seminar in the Crimean capital Simferopol.

The paper, prepared by the office of the Project Co-ordinator, offers recommendations to state and local policy makers for improving the socio-economic situation and for reducing the negative impact of labour migration by stimulating the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises, restructuring unprofitable businesses, and attracting foreign and domestic investments.

It also provides a detailed list of the best investment opportunities in each region.

“If we are to make the necessary improvements and to strengthen the fight against trafficking in human beings, all aspects of labour migration must be understood,” said Ambassador James Schumaker, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

“The commitment of Ukraine’s Labour and Social Policy Ministry is most encouraging and responsible in this respect,” he added.

The study was conducted as part of the two-year European Commission-funded project ‘Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Ukraine’ within the framework of its regional action programme for Ukraine. This project, implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, dedicated almost two million Euros to address three inter-related aspects of trafficking from, through and within Ukraine: protection and reintegration of victims, prosecution, and prevention.

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For further information, please contact:
Cordula Wohlmuther
Senior Programme Officer, OSCE
Tel.: +380 44 492 0382
e-mail: cordula.wohlmuther@osce.org