OSCE Centre in Astana holds seminar on assistance measures to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking

BOROVOE, Kazakhstan, 26 August 2010 - A two-day seminar for government officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations to promote access to medical, psychological and social assistance for victims of trafficking and domestic violence began today in Borovoe, northern Kazakhstan.

The seminar, co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, NGO "Status" and the International Organization for Migration, gathered more than 30 participants from the Ministries of Labour, Justice, Internal Affairs and Finance, as well as from NGOs and international organizations.

Seminar participants will discuss co-ordination efforts and best practices for the full implementation of the Law on Special Social Services, enacted by the Parliament of Kazakhstan in 2008.

"One of the state's obligations is a proper and timely reaction to the needs of victims of trafficking and domestic violence, and ensuring that appropriate state services are accessible to them," said Stefan Buchmayer, Human Dimension Officer at the OSCE Centre in Astana. "All OSCE participating States should ensure prompt and effective access to fair trial, as well as shelter, medical aid, legal assistance and counselling."

The seminar is part of the OSCE Centre's multi-year efforts to support the host country in combating trafficking in human beings and domestic violence, including by strengthening the legislative and institutional framework to ensure professional assistance to victims.