News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 30 July (BelTA) – Belarus will continue working hard internationally for the sake of fighting slave trade. The statement was made by Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Rybakov at the roundtable session held on 30 July and timed to the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, BelTA has learned. It is the first time the day is marked by the international community since it was instituted upon Belarus’ initiative.

“The Group of Friends United Against Human Trafficking works hard as part of the United Nations Organization. Belarus is the coordinator of the group. We will continue working hard in the international scene for the sake of improving the coordination of efforts of all the interested parties against human trafficking,” stated Valentin Rybakov.

According to the official, while fighting slave trade Belarus has always focused on tight partnering relations with non-governmental and international organizations that should complement and render assistance to national governments.

Valentin Rybakov stressed that it is impossible for one country to fight slave trade because it is a transnational kind of crime and requires collective efforts. “Joint efforts are needed to build the world where every person will be able to manage their own destiny free from serfdom, fear, humiliation and slavery,” said the Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister.

He reminded that back in 2005 the Belarus president spoke before the United Nations Organization to put forth the initiative in favor of forming a global partnership against slave trade. As a result of the initiative the 64^th session of the UN General Assembly in 2010 adopted the relevant global action plan unanimously. The UN has also declared the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons upon Belarus’ initiative in accordance with the Belarusian resolution on improving the coordination of efforts in the fight against slave trade. The UN General Assembly passed the resolution in December 2013.