UNODC held a regional videoconference on "Human Trafficking and Technology" in Central Asia

On 22 July 2022, UNODC with the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in cooperation with the Academy of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan facilitated a regional videoconference "Human Trafficking and Technology" as part of the activities dedicated to the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Representatives from Central Asian law enforcement bodies and the judiciary, and their training institutions joined the debate. 

The First Vice-Rector of the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Prof. Kaliolla Seitenov, in his opening speech noted the importance of the global expansion of new technologies, which have become entrenched in people's daily lives. He emphasized: “Exploitation of people is still a high-profit crime based on the principles of supply and demand. Law enforcement agencies of the Central Asian countries should know how to use new technologies in their response to be able to extract digital evidence for the successful prosecution of criminals”.

The Deputy Head of the Academy of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Uygun Nigmatjanov welcomed the debate as a good opportunity for practitioners of the region to discuss important and pressing issues, exchange experiences, review the latest trends and develop new approaches to combat trafficking in persons through technologies. The Academy of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan has developed relevant modules and manuals including on electronic evidence collection and mechanisms for working with Internet service providers and mutual legal assistance.

Dr. Reda Sirgediene, UNODC Regional Adviser on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants for Central Asia explained how traffickers use various methods to trap people into trafficking including the “fishing” and “hunting” methods. She demonstrated several cases from different countries where Internet technologies were actively used in attracting and recruiting women and girls. Furthermore, she called for greater international and regional cooperation to develop and adopt technology-facilitated strategies to tackle this crime.

Ms. Zhanar Seitayeva, Acting Head of the Department of Special Training in Countering Global Threats of the Institute of Professional Training of the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke about Kazakhstan's response to the use of modern technologies to organize trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual commercial exploitation. She also shared the results of a study conducted by the regional hub for countering global threats at the Academy of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which revealed the technologies and online advertisement platforms used by traffickers.

Dr. Zhanatbek Teyrenov, Trainer at the Republican Training Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared Kyrgyzstan's experience in combating trafficking in persons, laws, and regulations, as well as action plans to combat human trafficking. The results of a study on mobile Internet coverage and its usage in Kyrgyzstan were presented by Mr. Marlis Dzhumabayev, Head of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. He raised concerns over that fact that cheap and accessible Internet creates new venues for online trafficking and spoke about the work carried out in countering cybercrime, including trafficking in persons for sexual and labor exploitation.

At the meeting, Ms. Nodira Karimova, Director of “Istiqboli Avlod” NGO, shared the 20-year experience of her organization in combating trafficking in persons and pointed out the significance of 4 principles in addressing trafficking, namely, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

During the discussions, the participants explored the most effective ways of interaction in countering trafficking in persons both at the national and international levels. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to put more efforts to increase cooperation in leveraging technologies for combating trafficking in persons.

The event was held with financial support by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). 

For more information please contact:

Arifa Fatikhova

Communications and External Relations Officer

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Regional Office for Central Asia

30a, Abdulla Kahhor street,

Tashkent, 100100 Uzbekistan

Tel.: (+998 78) 120 8050 (Ext. 147)

Mobile: (+998 93) 505-05-58 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[a]un.org