UNODC Commemorates the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, Highlighting Progress in Central Asia

On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP), the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reaffirms its commitment to ending this severe violation of human rights, aligning with this year's theme, "Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind." UNODC underscores its comprehensive and robust efforts, spotlighting significant strides taken across Central Asia to combat human trafficking.

Trafficking in Persons (TIP) continues to affect millions of people worldwide. However, tangible progress is witnessed across Central Asia, a region demonstrating resolute determination to tackle this crime. With UNODC playing a pivotal role, the collective endeavors have paved the way for significant advancements.

UNODC’s multifaceted approach fosters dialogue, enhances legal frameworks, and spearheads targeted capacity-building initiatives. Through these measures, UNODC has been at the forefront of raising awareness about TIP, empowering communities and relevant authorities with the necessary knowledge to identify and prevent such crimes. Over 900 practitioners from Central Asia have recently benefited from UNODC’s regional and national counter-TIP initiatives.

Mentioning the WDATIP, UNODC intensified its efforts in reaching out the community of Central Asia to inform and warn about TIP crimes, its trends and threats, as well as the ways to avoid of being trapped into TIP on TV, online media and social networks. The current situation on TIP in Central Asia, TIP cases, indicators of TIP and how to prevent from being trapped into TIP, as well as the UNODC’s role in combatting TIP in the region was discussed.

Another key achievement was raising and building responsible specialists' awareness and capacity through regional and national initiatives.

The annual regional networking of over 80 key practitioners under the international conference “Strengthening National and International Partnerships in Combating Trafficking in Persons” was held in Astana, Kazakhstan in July 2023, earlier this year, the Regional Workshop on International Standards and Best Practices in Adjudication of TIP Cases, promoting dialogue among the Central Asian judiciary and the victim-centred adjudication of TIP cases, was organised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as well as the regional workshop “Toward a more effective response to TIP, particularly in women and girls for sexual exploitation” on handling TIP cases was facilitated in Tbilisi. 

In Uzbekistan, UNODC’s commitment to capacity-building has been evident through lectures and training sessions for law enforcement, judiciary, international airport staff and other front-line specialists, benefiting 400 practitioners, including 180 women. In Kyrgyzstan, UNODC’s capacity building activities for law enforcement and pro bono lawyers contributed to developing the expertise of 228 practitioners, including 44 women. In Turkmenistan, the policy development and capacity building initiatives have reached 273 practitioners, including 61 women.

Ashita Mittal, the UNODC Regional Representative to Central Asia, remarked: "We commend Central Asia's progress in combatting trafficking in persons. The UNODC has been at the forefront of a coordinated response. Still, much must be done, and we remain steadfast in supporting Central Asia as we continue this critical fight."

Reda Sirgediene, UNODC Regional Adviser on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants for Central Asia, emphasized: "Central Asia's dedication and the collaborative efforts with UNODC have brought tangible results in the fight against trafficking in persons. We have witnessed the power of partnerships in creating the real change. As we stand together, especially on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we recommit ourselves to work tirelessly until every person is free from exploitation and their rights are safeguarded."

As the world unites in solidarity on the WDATIP, the UNODC calls on governments, civil society, and individuals to join hands in the global fight against TIP. Together, we can ensure that no person is left behind, paving the way for a future where human rights and dignity are universally protected, and where the scourge of TIP is eradicated once and for all.