Belarus is a major country of origin for trafficking of men, women, and children to Russia, Poland, the UAE, Turkey, and a number of other countries primarily in Europe and the Middle East. In recent years it has also emerged as a country of destination for (male) victims of labour exploitation from Russia. Since 2002, 1,593 VoTs have been assisted by IOM Belarus and its local partners (as of the mid 2008).

The trend towards trafficking for labour exploitation can also be seen here. In 2006, the number of those trafficked for labour exceeded those sexually exploited (229 as opposed to 187).  In the same year, a total of 263 female VoTs were identified as opposed to 159 male.

IOM statistics indicate that since 2002, a total of 84 children (aged 17 or under) have been trafficked, out of a total of 1,593 VoTs identified during the period.

In 2003 Belarus ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its related protocols and since then domestic legislation has been significantly amended to bring it into line with international standards. 

A new anti-trafficking state programme for the period 2008-2010 was approved in December 2007. It has a heavy focus on prosecution, but also includes awareness-raising and provision of assistance to VoTs, including improved legislation and monitoring of its implementation, a broadening of stakeholders to include the corporate sector, capacity building for stakeholders directly involved in combating trafficking, more effective awareness campaigns, and an increased focus on child victims of trafficking. 

The Minister of Internal Affairs, whose ministry leads CT efforts in the country, recently acknowledged publicly that NGOs have a role to play in this sphere. 

A major priority for Phase II of the programme (2009-11) will be to harmonise counter-trafficking efforts to create one consolidated counter-trafficking community that works together to tackle the issues. In keeping with the state action plan, the number and type of CT stakeholders will also be expanded to include the business community.

The increased harmonisation of CT efforts in Belarus will be accompanied by an advocacy and capacity building campaign aimed at improving the accessibility of compensation for trafficked persons. Were this to be more widely accessed it could significantly improve the long-term rehabilitation prospects of VoTs, further enhancing the sustainability of efforts made by service providers in this regard.

Sustainability is another key focus of Phase II of the programme in Belarus, with the issue of hot-line services also an important focus. Currently there are two toll-free hotlines operating, both offering the same services. The programme aims to assess possibilities for consolidating these services in order to use funds more efficiently while continuing to offer this vital service. Rehabilitation and reintegration services will also be provided under Phase II, but at a much-reduced rate, with a greater focus on prevention activities.

For the list of country activities, please refer to the Action Plan.