Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) actively engages with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the world’s largest security-oriented intergovernmental organisation.
As part of this ongoing commitment, we are pleased to highlight the recent engagement of our representative Claudia Deiss (SI Austria), who recently attended the 25th OSCE Alliance Conference Against Trafficking in Persons, held in Vienna from 31 March to 1 April 2025. This year’s theme, “Protecting Childhoods, Shaping Futures – A Call to End Child Trafficking,” drew more than 800 participants, including ministers, UN experts, EU leaders, and civil society organisations.
The conference highlighted the alarming rise in child trafficking. Over the past 15 years, the number of identified child trafficking victims has tripled globally, with children now accounting 40–50% of all trafficked persons. Many individuals trafficked as children are only identified as victims once they reach adulthood. Vulnerable groups include displaced children, those in institutional care, minorities, and children with disabilities. Traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital platforms, AI, and social media to groom, recruit and control victims. Conflict, displacement, and poverty remain key risk factors contributing to children’s vulnerability.
Claudia’s attendance provided an opportunity to closely follow the rich and varied discussions, which included multi-sectoral responses, survivor-centred solutions, and the pressing need for enhanced digital safety, legal reforms, and comprehensive support systems for vulnerable children.
Her presence helped ensure that Soroptimist International of Europe remains informed and aligned with international efforts to combat trafficking and uphold children’s rights. In doing so, SIE continues to stand with global partners in the shared goal of building a safer, more just world for every child.
Learn more: SI statement on Human Trafficking