Mainstreaming gender and human rights in border security and management

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The critical importance of integrating a gender-inclusive and human rights-based approach to border security and management in times of crisis, particularly when dealing with refugees at borders, was highlighted. center of the webinar organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the Organization for the OSCE Transnational Threats Department for Security and Co-operation in Europe on 25 May.

The webinar brought together 50 representatives of border and customs agencies from 17 countries.

“Gender equality is a priority for the OSCE. In times of conflict and war, women, girls and boys are at particularly high risk of being exploited and trafficked. Therefore, a gender-inclusive approach is crucial in border security and management,” said Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Gender Adviser, in her opening remarks.

Together with experts from the International Organization for Migration and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, participants explored the link between gender-responsive and rights-based border security human rights and effective border management, in line with the OSCE’s comprehensive approach. . They also explored human rights-sensitive and refugee-centric strategies in the face of sudden and often high numbers of refugees at borders.

During a practical exercise, led by an international expert, participants learned to avoid unconscious bias, discrimination against refugees and to recognize potential victims of human trafficking at borders.

According the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, estimates suggest that less than one percent of human trafficking victims are ever identified. This leaves millions of victims without the support they need to recover and without the ability to seek justice.

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