OSCE Centre supports work to bring Kyrgyz human trafficking legislation in line with international standards

BISHKEK, 3 April, 2009 - An OSCE-supported working group that aims to align the Kyrgyz legislation on combating trafficking in human beings with international standards, supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, held its inaugural meeting in Bishkek today.

The group will review anti-trafficking legislation and propose draft amendments that will be submitted to the Government. 

The group, headed by the Kyrgyz State Committee on Migration and Employment, comprises parliamentarians, representatives of executive authorities and civil society as well as independent experts. They will be assisted by an international expert whose work is financed by the OSCE Centre.

"By starting to improve its laws, Kyrgyzstan is taking an important step to make its fight against human trafficking more effective," said Oleg Semenenko, the OSCE Centre's Senior Human Dimension Officer

Toktosun Sabyrov, Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic on Migration and Employment, added:

"We are convinced that legislation that adheres to international standards is one an important factor for the success of combating trafficking in human beings in Kyrgyzstan, so we consider the activities of this working group of particular importance."

The working group is part of co-operation between the OSCE Centre and the Kyrgyz State Committee on Migration and Employment in combating human trafficking.