The second part of IOM's International Dialogue on Migration (IDM)
which this year is focusing on the human rights of migrants will
take place on 9-10 July with a special look at human trafficking
and exploited migrants.

The two-day gathering which brings together IOM member states,
observers, international and non-governmental organizations, civil
society and the private sector, will try to identify innovative
ways to ensure protection of victims of trafficking and exploited
migrants.

With human trafficking often regarded as a transnational
organized crime and response to it approached largely through the
prism of criminal justice, the Dialogue will examine the pros and
cons of applying such an approach to combating human trafficking
and highlight operational challenges for governments and other
actors in identifying and assisting victims.

The Dialogue will also tackle how the needs and vulnerabilities
of those migrants who are abused and exploited but who do not meet
the strict definition of trafficking can be addressed. This more
generalized exploitation, likely to affect a much bigger share of
the migrant population, requires a more needs-based approach to
effectively protect and assist migrants.

Russian singer Valeriya, an IOM Goodwill Envoy in the Russian
Federation and strong anti-trafficking campaigner, will join the
IOM administration in opening the Dialogue on Thursday.

Also taking part and addressing participants is Rita Soelwin, a
migrant trafficked to the US by her aunt with promises of
education. Forced instead to be her aunt's domestic worker, Rita
suffered mental, verbal and at times physical abuse at her hands
and at those of her husband's. Having escaped with the help of a
Good Samaritan, Rita was assisted by the Break the Chain Campaign
and has since begun a whole new life in the US.

For the agenda and background documents for the IDM which is
being held at Geneva's International Conference Centre, please go
to "http://www.iom.int/idmtrafexp">www.iom.int/idmtrafexp. 

For further information, please contact:

Jemini Pandya

IOM Geneva

Tel: + 41 22 717 9484/+41 79 217 3374

E-mail: "mailto:jpandya@iom.int">jpandya@iom.int