OSCE Centre in Astana promotes anti-trafficking standards and mechanisms

ASTANA, 10 December 2007 - International standards and practices in the fight against trafficking in human beings, as well as relevant domestic laws and mechanisms for their implementation, are the focus of two regional seminars organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana.

The training courses are taking place in the Zhambyl and Mangystau regions of Kazakhstan on 10 and 12 December respectively. Over fifty representatives of the governments, non-governmental organizations, and media are taking part.

"Institutionalizing the co-operation between government authorities and civil society through special mechanisms is key to fighting trafficking effectively," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. "The Kazakhstan Government's increasing engagement with non-governmental organizations in anti-trafficking activities is a positive sign in this direction."

The seminars are focusing on international and national standards for definitions and forms of exploitation, including forced labour, as well as on the identification of victims. The situation in Kazakhstan and in Central Asia, as well as mechanisms for co-operation between regional governments, including law enforcement agencies, civil society and the media are also being discussed.

"Timely identification and preventative measures will allow the government to more effectively implement the migration policy and establish a mechanism for human rights protection of both citizens and foreigners," said Darzhan Kazbekova, representative of Kazakhstan's Justice Ministry.

The seminars, part of the Centre's multi-year programme on combating trafficking in human beings in Kazakhstan, are co-financed by the German government and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR.)