UNODC facilitated a National Forum on Efforts of Uzbekistan to combat trafficking in persons through detection, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of trafficking in persons cases in 2021 and Q1 2022: achievements and prospects

On 15 April UNODC jointly with the Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Uzbekistan and “Istiqbolli Avlod” the Republican Social-Information Centre  held a National Forum “Efforts of Uzbekistan to combat trafficking in persons through detection, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of trafficking in persons cases in 2021 and Q1 2022: achievements and prospects” in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Over 60 participants, including officials of a wide range of government agencies and ministries, regional offices of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as specialists of international organizations and non - governmental organizations took active part  at the event  in person and online.

The main goal of the gathering was a discussion of the results and achievements, as well as further steps on cooperation in countering trafficking in persons in Uzbekistan.

Mr. Narimon Rakhimov, Executive Secretary of the Sub-Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons, Head of the Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported on the measures implemented by Uzbekistan in the field of combating trafficking in persons and prospects. “Cooperation with international organizations, especially partnership with UNODC has played a crucial role in increasing efficiency in countering trafficking in persons in Uzbekistan. As per our joint plan with UNODC on countering trafficking in persons, we are delivering Train of Trainer regional seminars, which have a great potential in enhancing the capacities of territorial specialists in tackling, investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons crimes. Furthermore, the coordination meetings initiated by UNODC serve as a very efficient mechanism to leverage resources, efforts, and cooperation in the field of combating trafficking in persons”, he emphasized

“We are tireless in pursuing our mission to counter, suppress and eradicate trafficking in persons crimes, which take advantage of vulnerable people, especially women and children. Through partnership, capacity-building and dialogue, we facilitate the efforts of Uzbekistan to detect, investigate, and prosecute such crimes,” highlighted Dr. Reda Sirgediene, UNODC Regional Adviser on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants for Central Asia, UNODC ROCA during her presentation on “UNODC technical assistance to enhance detection, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of TIP cases in Uzbekistan”.

The role and importance of non-governmental organizations in addressing trafficking in persons was also an important aspect of the forum. “Civil society and nongovernmental organizations carry out very relevant activities that greatly supplement the initiatives of other actors and contribute to the prevention of trafficking in persons and protection of victims. Through provision of social and legal services as well as hotline support, we help victims, migrants and vulnerable individuals to receive necessary and tailored aid”, noted in her speech Ms. Nodira Karimova, Director, NGO Istiqbolli Avlod.

During the forum participants discussed, among other subjects, the changes in the national legislation, prosecution and adjudication of trafficking in persons cases, as well as on the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism: assistance rendered to victims and the draft of Standard Operating Procedures.  

As the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its complementary Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, UNODC supports the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in strengthening its efforts to combat trafficking in persons.

The forum was held within the UNODC project being implemented under the financial support of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).