OSCE Centre promotes sharing of best practices to combat human trafficking

ASHGABAT, 7 October 2009 - Four Turkmenistan representatives, including an official from the General Prosecutor's Office and members of two public organizations, discussed effective measures in the fight against human trafficking during a study visit to Ukraine that ends today. 

The three-day visit was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat with support from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

During the visit, participants learned about the human trafficking situation in Ukraine and anti-trafficking work carried out both by state institutions and local organizations. The discussion focused on how to set up and operate anti-trafficking hotlines and shelters for victims, as well as on co-operation between state authorities and public organizations.

"The study visit was an opportunity to hear from Ukrainian counterparts about best practices and lessons learned in preventing and combating human trafficking. It formed another step in strengthening the capacity of Turkmenistan to prevent and address trafficking of human beings," said Arsim Zekolli, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The delegation from Turkmenistan visited Kyiv and the Chernivtsi region and had meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Ukraine for Family, Youth and Sports, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration and several local non-governmental organizations.

The study visit is part of activities organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preventing and combating trafficking in persons.