The importance of training criminal justice professionals to combat human trafficking, as well as the manuals and training modules developed within the framework of the UNODC project “Supporting Victim-Focused Investigations and Prosecutions of Trafficking in Persons in the Kyrgyz Republic,” funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, was discussed by Marlis Jumabaev, National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, at the conference “Strengthening National Responses to Trafficking in Persons: A Conference on Cooperation, Coordination, and Key Lessons.”
Q: What manuals and training modules were developed and implemented within the framework of the project?
A: As part of the UNODC project, several teaching aids and training modules were developed for law enforcement officers, particularly for the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Last year, we developed the "Training module for fourth-year cadets of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan on issues of combating human trafficking by law enforcement agencies." Cadets undergo training on this module in the seventh semester, and upon completion, they pass a test.
For employees of investigative and operational units of the Internal Affairs Directorate, we prepared the "Training and methodological manual on combating human trafficking", "Collection of samples of criminal procedural documents" and "Dictionary-reference book of basic terms and concepts on human trafficking, illegal labour migration." All these manuals have been translated into the state and official languages.
Q: What role do these modules play?
A: They create tools for educational programs: the teaching aids can be incorporated into school and university curricula, helping young people develop critical thinking and safety skills.
I would especially like to highlight their role in fostering inter-sectoral cooperation. The modules facilitate interaction between different institutions (police, NGOs, educational organizations), strengthening a systemic approach to addressing the issue. Additionally, the information from the manuals helps to shape negative public attitudes towards human trafficking while increasing support for victims. In the long term, these materials help to create a safer environment, making it harder for people to fall victim to exploitation.
Q: You conducted trainings for different audiences. Who was trained, and how many people were involved?. Why is it so important to train specialists in combating human trafficking? Do you think these trainings changed the participants?
A: Training of specialists in combating human trafficking plays a key role in addressing this serious violation of human rights. I will cite several aspects that emphasize the importance of such training. First, training helps in recognizing the signs of human trafficking. Specialists who receive proper training can identify victims of human trafficking at an early stage, helping prevent further exploitation.
Together with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, we organized a series of practical trainings for management and law enforcement officers on identifying, detecting, and investigating crimes related to human trafficking.
The training was completed by 376 individuals, including:
- 254 representatives of operational and investigative units of the Internal Affairs Directorate, district police officers, and juvenile inspectors.
- 46 employees of supervisory agencies.
- 32 representatives of judicial bodies.
- 32 lawyers.
- 12 employees of the State Committee for National Security.
Experienced specialists also play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the risks associated with human trafficking. Given the global nature of the problem, specialists must be prepared to collaborate with colleagues from other countries and organizations.
Training should cover legal aspects, psychosocial assistance for victims, identification mechanisms, and methods for preventing human trafficking. Only with well-trained specialists can we achieve significant results in the fight against this crime.
Q: In your opinion, why is it important to support the UNODC project in combating human trafficking?
A: The importance of UNODC support is clear, as it enables the continued development and implementation of the practical measures mentioned above to combat human trafficking effectively.
The interview was conducted by Vasilina Brazhko, UNODC Communications Analyst. For more information call +996775987817 on WhatsApp
