UNODC Trains Police Officers and Prosecutors in the Kyrgyz Republic on Investigation and Prosecution of Trafficking in Persons

UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the General Prosecutor’s Office, has recently conducted two training courses on investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons for Kyrgyz law enforcement. In Osh city, 59 police investigators and prosecutors from the southern regions of the country participated. At another session in Issyk Kul, 68 police officers and prosecutors from the northern regions came together.

 

During the two-day training, participants improved their knowledge of national legislation and criminal procedure. They studied the national referral mechanism for victims of trafficking in persons, victim identification criteria, signs of exploitation, as well as the role of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Criminal Police Department and the Investigative Service of the Ministry of Interior in combatting this crime.

“Ensuring practical implementation of the national referral mechanism for victims of trafficking in persons is our priority”, said Marlis Djumabaev, Head of Department at the Criminal Police Service of the Ministry of Interior. “Competent bodies, in particular law enforcement, must correctly qualify and investigate criminal cases related to trafficking in persons. Identification of victims by the police and others, their referral to relevant support services, including NGOs, as well as the provision of immediate assistance and support with social rehabilitation and restoration of their constitutional rights are of paramount importance.”

During the training, the participating investigators and prosecutors discussed how they can work together to improve the quality of investigations into human trafficking cases using a victim-sensitive approach.

“The role of NGOs in investigating trafficking in persons is very important, especially in cases of sexual exploitation or when victims are exploited by organized crime groups,” said Ms. Meerim Osmonalieva, director of the NGO Oasis. “Crisis centers and charitable foundations provide material and psychological assistance and safety at all stages of the investigation. Victims usually reach out to social workers or psychologists rather than law enforcement agencies. Therefore, it is important for all investigators to know the network of organizations that can provide first aid and assist in rehabilitation and socialization. "

The training was based on a special manual designed by the General Prosecutor’s Office within the framework of UNODC’s project on strengthening the criminal justice response to trafficking in persons.  

The manual focuses on detection and investigation of crimes related to human trafficking in line with international standards and national legislation. During the training, the manual was presented and handed over to prosecutors and heads of investigative services.

UNODC supports capacity development of law enforcement and justice practitioners to combat trafficking in persons in the Kyrgyz Republic with financial support from the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

 

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UNODC In Central Asia at

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