REDA Sirgediene, UNODC: Trafficking in persons is a latent crime – we get know of it only when it is disclosed

Human trafficking is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. Globally, national responses, particularly in developing countries, appear to be deteriorating. Detection rates fell by 11% in 2020 and convictions plummeted by 27%, illustrating a worldwide slowdown in the criminal justice response to trafficking. To find out the efforts of the UNODC in fighting the trafficking in persons in the Central Asia Region, we addressed with the questions to Ms. REDA Sirgediene, UNODC Regional Advisor on Trafficking in Persons. 

 

Q: What is the current situation on prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia?

A: National Governments demonstrate high commitment to combat trafficking in persons crimes in Central Asia.

However, trafficking in persons is a latent crime – we get know of it only when it is disclosed, many cases remain unknown, victims usually do not inform law enforcement of such cases. Law enforcement must invest a lot of efforts to disclose and to investigate such cases.

Based on the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, there has been a significant decline in the criminal justice response to trafficking crimes in the world including in Central Asia: fewer investigations conducted, and the number of prosecutions and convictions decreased. What is more, women and girls constituted the vast majority of identified victims, while three-quarters of the trafficked persons detected in the region were forced to sexual exploitation.

Women accounted for 85% of persons convicted of trafficking in 2020 compared to 14% of men and 1% of children. This highlights the gender-specific vulnerabilities in different forms of exploitation and underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches to address these issues effectively. In most cases, trafficking in persons for sexual and labour exploitation are investigated. There are many other forms of this crime including for forced criminal activity, forced begging, forced involvement in armed conflicts, forced marriages, organ trafficking, etc.

Furthermore, based on the report, there has been an alarming trend of relying on victims’ "self-rescue" measures, indicating gaps in anti-trafficking responses. Comprehensive victim support and assistance programs are crucial to empower survivors and break the cycle of exploitation.

Q: What work does UNODC conduct in countering trafficking in persons?

A: UNODC renders a wide spectrum of technical assistance to support member states, including Uzbekistan.

We support in developing strategic documents and information and intelligence sharing on trafficking trends, routes, criminal networks, modus operandi. I can truly state that the data sharing helps build a comprehensive picture of trafficking activities in the region and enables more effective targeting of trafficking operations. Every 2 years, UNODC publishes the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.

We mentor and facilitate coordination meetings of law enforcement and judiciary of countries of origin, transit, and destination and evidence collection in international trafficking in persons cases which ensures the development of international cooperation.

Huge attention is paid on law enforcement, judicial authorities, and other stakeholders capacity building. This empowers the practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat trafficking in persons and handle trafficking in persons cases with sensitivity and efficiency.

To reach wide range of audience on trafficking prevention measures, I stand strong in the believe that awareness-raising campaigns are the perfect tool for it. Thus, UNODC facilitates public awareness and prevention: collaborative efforts between international organizations and national stakeholders amplify public awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking. These campaigns educate communities about the dangers of trafficking and empower individuals to report suspicious activities, thereby serving as a proactive measure against trafficking in persons. Commemorating the World Day against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), we together implement awareness raising activities in summer every year.

Q: Trafficking in Persons is a latent crime. What needs to be done in Central Asian countries so this crime does not go unpunished?

A: Trafficking in persons is a latent crime – we get know of it only when it is disclosed, many cases remain unknown, victims usually do not inform law enforcement of such cases.

Law enforcement must invest a lot of efforts to disclose and to investigate such cases. Furthermore, more and more trafficking in persons crimes is committed using technologies.

Public awareness raising, continuous development of knowledge and skills of law enforcement and judiciary, other key practitioners, introducing technologies in law enforcement work, ensuring protection of the rights of and assistance for victims of trafficking, development of international cooperation and especially exchanging information and rendering assistance in evidence collection should be among priorities to prevent and investigate trafficking in persons crimes.

UNODC contributes to the efforts of its member states.

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For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko, 

UNODC Criminal Justice Programme in Central Asia 

UNODC PO in the Kyrgyz Republic 

at +996775987817 WhatsApp

vasilina.brazhko[at]un.org