OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organizes high-level seminar on human trafficking

ASHGABAT, 25 August 2009 - More than 45 representatives from Turkmenistan's institutions as well as from international organizations and embassies took part in an OSCE-organized high-level seminar today on combating and preventing human trafficking.

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in co-operation with Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry, the one-day seminar raised awareness about human trafficking by focusing on the role of different state institutions and civil society organizations in preventing and combating human trafficking and in assisting trafficking victims. It also highlighted the importance of sharing international experience when fighting different forms of trafficking, including for sexual or labour exploitation. Participants also discussed the OSCE Action Plan to combat trafficking in human beings and UN standards on trafficking.

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating trafficking in Human Beings, Eva Biaudet, opened the seminar.

"I welcome Turkmenistan's Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons. However, systematic implementation of this law and co-ordination between different actors is essential to prevent this crime, and to assist and protect men, women and children who are at risk of becoming victims," she said.

"International experience shows that co-operation with civil society in assisting victims supports identification and prosecution of perpetrators. The crime of human trafficking can also occur without any crossing of international borders, therefore victim identification and assistance should also take place at the national level."

Ambassador Arsim Zekolli, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, added:

"Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that requires close interaction and co-ordination among the different authorities responsible for preventing and combating the crime and for protecting and assisting victims.

"The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat is ready to support the Government, other relevant institutions and civil society to further strengthen their efforts and capacity to prevent and combat human trafficking. The Centre also is ready to support efforts to adapt the country's legislation so that it complies with international norms."

Shirin Ahmedova, the Director of the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, moderated the seminar. Representatives from the Dutch National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, EUROPOL, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and a Ukrainian NGO delivered keynote addresses.

During her visit to Turkmenistan, the Special Representative had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament, Akdja Nurbediyeva, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vepa Hadjiyev. She will also meet representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Social Welfare, the General Prosecutors' Office, the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan and representatives of civil society.