News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 24 July (BelTA) – Upon Belarus’ initiative the international community will mark the first ever United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, Spokesman for the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Mironchik said at a briefing on 24 July, BelTA has learnt.

It was Belarus’ initiative to designate 30 July “World Day against Trafficking in Persons”. This day will be marked by the international community every year starting from 2014.

A number of events dedicated to this day have already been held. The events were attended by the UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. A thematic roundtable session will be arranged in Minsk on 30 July with the support of the International Organization for Migration. Taking part in the session will be Belarusian officials, representatives of NGOs, and diplomats. They will discuss Belarus’ efforts to combat trafficking in persons. Speaking at the roundtable session will be Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Valentin Rybakov, Deputy Interior Minister of Belarus Nikolai Melchenko, and heads of offices of the UN organizations in Belarus.

Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Yuri Fedotov will hold a briefing dedicated to human trafficking in the Vienna Office of the United Nations.

Two feature movies about human trafficking will be shown in the Pobeda movie theater on 30 July. The entry will be free. The screening will be arranged by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the UNDP and the US Embassy in Belarus.