Tatiana Kotlyarenko

Tatiana Kotlyarenko is an international expert in human rights, human trafficking and addressing gender-based violence. Her career has been marked by extensive work in policy development, advocacy, and international cooperation to combat human trafficking and promote human rights, including her service as the Adviser on Anti-Trafficking Issues at the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Early life and education
Tatiana Kotlyarenko pursued higher education with a focus on human rights and international relations. Kotlyarenko holds a Bachelor's degree from Brandeis University. In 2007, she graduated with Master's degree in the Human Rights and Economic Development with Honors from Columbia University. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her subsequent career in human rights and anti-trafficking work, with her master dissertation written on "Supply and Demand Dynamics of Sex Trafficking in Russia.”

Early career
Kotlyarenko began her career working with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies focused on human rights. After graduation with her masters, she began her internship in the Europe and Central Asia Department at the Human Rights Watch.

Her early work involved direct engagement with victims of human trafficking, providing support and advocacy for their rights. She quickly established herself as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional in the field.

Civil society engagement
Tatiana Kotlyarenko founded and served as the Chief Executive Director (ED/CEO) of the Enslavement Prevention Alliance – West Africa (EPAWA) in Ghana. Within its first three months, EPAWA launched a national anti-human trafficking campaign, the Red Card campaign, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and Short Message Service (SMS) project across the country. Additionally, EPAWA was instrumental in rescuing 60 girls from a child brothel. In her role as ED, Kotlyarenko developed strong relationships with international and local media, as well as development partners, to raise awareness, enhance visibility, and provide assistance to vulnerable populations.

Role at OSCE/ODIHR
In her role at OSCE/ODIHR, Tatiana Kotlyarenko serves as the Adviser on Anti-Trafficking Issues. Since her appointment in 2016, she has been instrumental in shaping policies and programs aimed at preventing human trafficking and supporting victims. Her work involves collaborating with member states, NGOs, and other international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies and best practices for combating trafficking in persons.

Kotlyarenko's contributions include the development of the National Referral Mechanism Handbook, which provides practical guidance for protecting the rights of trafficked persons. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) has been - with her guidance - implemented across the OSCE region. The NRM Handbook was under her guidance translated to Ukrainian and Russian.

She has also played a key role in launching the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), a body that advises ODIHR on anti-trafficking policies and includes survivors from across the OSCE region (OSCE).

During COVID-19 pandemic, she has produced a publication on Addressing Emerging Human Trafficking Trends and Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic co-published by OSCE/ODIHR and UN Women.

Together with the team of experts from ISTAC, Kotlyarenko developed and delivered numerous trainings on "Addressing human trafficking risks in light of military attack on Ukraine: Training for civil society and frontline responders", based on the NRM principles, and organized within the ODIHR's Advancing the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine project framework.

Advocacy and public speaking
Beyond her work at OSCE/ODIHR, Kotlyarenko is a recognized advocate for human rights and anti-trafficking measures. She frequently speaks at international conferences, seminars, and workshops, sharing her expertise and insights on effective strategies to combat trafficking. Notably, she has addressed issues such as sexual violence and human trafficking in armed conflict at events like the UN General Assembly, numerous OSCE conferences, and provided testimony at a US Congressional hearing on Protecting Ukrainian Refugees from Trafficking.

Additionally, she has taken part in a CNN international documentary filmed in Cambodia: “Innocence for Sale”, which was released in 2010.

In response to the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which particularly affects women and children, Tatiana Kotlyarenko has been conducting rapid assessment missions and offering recommendations to various countries on preventing and addressing the trafficking of Ukrainian women and children. Additionally, in her personal capacity, she has assisted with the response to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine by organizing and supporting evacuations and other activities aimed at protecting women and children.

Following the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Kotlyarenko participated in rapid response and on-site assessment missions as an international expert. Since early 2024, she has been actively involved in raising awareness about the sexual and gender-based violence in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Publications and research
Tatiana Kotlyarenko has authored and contributed to numerous publications on human trafficking and human rights. Her research focuses on the intersection of trafficking, migration, and human rights, offering critical analysis and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Awards and recognition
Throughout her career, Kotlyarenko has received several awards and commendations for her work in human rights and anti-trafficking. Her dedication and impact in the field have been acknowledged by various organizations and institutions.

Among others, in 2022 she has received Champion title and the Last Girl Award.

Kotlyarenko is also a member of the 100 Women of Davos and BMW Responsible Leaders.