OSCE Centre supports review of Kyrgyz anti-trafficking legislation

BISHKEK, November 10, 2009 - A three-day meeting between the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyz specialists and an international expert on fighting human trafficking started today in Bishkek.

The OSCE Centre, at the request of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Migration, has assisted the Government in its efforts to fight human trafficking by providing expert and technical support to a working group that is looking at how to bring Kyrgyz legislation in line with international standards. The working group's draft amendments to the anti-trafficking legislation will be submitted to the Kyrgyz Government.

"Strengthening Kyrgyzstan's legislation to counteract trafficking in human beings is a vital prerequisite for taking concrete action against this crime. This illegal trade has cross-border character and hence robust regional co-operation is needed to confront it. The OSCE, through its field offices in Central Asia, actively supports national administrations' efforts to prevent human trafficking and tackle the associated problems," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The international expert, Iryna Zaretska of Ukraine, added: "Governments and parliaments of all countries can prevent and counteract this crime. Their joint efforts should be directed towards combating not only human trafficking, but also the associated crimes such as corruption, money laundering, illegal migration, employment and illegal adoption."

Aigul Ryskulova, the Kyrgyz Minister of Labour, Employment and Migration, said international assistance was crucial to the country's efforts to fight human trafficking.