UNODC convenes the third multi-stakeholder coordination meeting on countering trafficking in persons in Uzbekistan 

On 20 June, 2023 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized a coordination meeting to increase the effectiveness of counter trafficking in persons (TIP) efforts efficiently. This meeting with government authorities, donors, international and non-governmental organizations delivered impactful discussions and unleashed powerful strategies to address emerging and existing challenges related to TIP crimes. The notable participants and key speakers were the representatives from the National Commission for Combating TIP and Forced Labor, the Sub-Commission for Combating TIP, and the U.S. Embassy.   

The meeting included a comprehensive review of Uzbekistan’s current state of TIP and an evaluation of the achievements made during the second quarter of 2023. This collaborative assessment of implemented activities provided valuable insights, sparking a drive for enhanced collaboration and future improvements in the field. A key highlight of the meeting revolved around the anticipated campaign for the World Day Against TIP 2023 mentioned on 30 July. Under the compelling theme “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind”, participants engaged in discussions, brainstorming strategies, and initiatives to prevent TIP and bolster victim protection aligned with this powerful rallying call. The meeting participants also discussed the activities planned for the third quarter of 2023 and beyond. 

UNODC remains committed to supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to combat TIP, and this coordination meeting marks a vital step toward achieving this shared objective. The counter-TIP coordination meetings initiative was launched in February 2022 to unite government authorities, donors, and international and non-governmental organizations for more sustainable and efficient coordination of counter-TIP efforts. The multi-stakeholder coordination meetings have become a platform for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and forging strategies to strengthen responses to trafficking in persons. This initiative is organized within the framework of the UNODC Global Programme against TIP under the financial support of INL.