Finnish politician named OSCE envoy against trafficking

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Friday October 20, 2006

Helsinki- Seasoned Finnish parliamentarian Eva Biaudet has been named as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe@s (OSCE) next special envoy for combating human trafficking, the Finnish Foreign Ministry said Friday. Biaudet told public broadcaster YLE that the appointment was "a big challenge" and the assignment focused on very important issues.

The post has been vacant since last May when Helga Konrad of Austria stepped down after a two-year term.

Hundreds of thousands of people, mainly women and children, are estimated to be victims of human trafficking that experts estimate generates billions of dollars.

The victims are often subjected to forced labour and prostitution.

Biaudet, 45, has been a member of parliament for the Swedish People's Party since 1991, and since 2004 has been a member of the foreign affairs committee.

She has also held the post as minister of health and social services.

The OSCE groups 56 states from Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North America.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency