OSCE Special Representative applauds Tajikistan’s recent moves to strengthen anti-human trafficking legislation
DUSHANBE, 11 June 2015 – The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova praised the country’s authorities for improving anti-trafficking legislation as they step up efforts to combat modern-day slavery.
During the three-day visit to the country, the Special Representative held meetings with government officials as well as representatives of non-governmental and international organizations.
The OSCE works together with participating States to stamp out human trafficking in all its forms including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and the trafficking of children for forced begging and other purposes.
In Tajikistan, key concerns include trafficking associated with labour migration as well as sexual exploitation. In addition, authorities are investigating links between trafficking and the recruitment of young people to join fighters in terrorist organizations abroad.
“Identification of victims is one of the biggest challenges in the country, and therefore capacity building and strong co-operation among all stakeholders is crucial,” said Ambassador Jarbussynova. “This includes not only the involvement of law enforcement agencies, but also NGOs, diplomats, as well as social workers and labour inspectors.”
The Special Representative conducts a series of country visits every year in order to share knowledge and good practices in the fight against human trafficking and to make tailor-made recommendations for the countries visited. This was her first visit to Tajikistan, which is considered to be primarily a country of origin and transit for human trafficking.
Ambassador Jarbussynova also visited a shelter run by the NGO “Femida” in Dushanbe. She welcomed efforts by civil society to assist victims and expressed concern about the future of the shelter after September 2015 when it will no longer receive international funding.
“The role of NGOs in Tajikistan is essential at different levels. Their work should not be limited to assistance and rehabilitation activities -- they should officially and fully be included in the identification process of victims and in prevention activities targeting school and university students.”
Ambassador Jarbussynova held meetings with First Deputy Foreign Minister Davlatzoda Parviz, Deputy Prosecutor General Nazarzoda Hotam, Deputy Labour Minister Sanghinzoda Emin, Deputy Interior Minister Aslamshozoda Abdurakhmon and Deputy Head of Supreme Court Kholova Basbi. She also met with the Head of the Republic’s Inter-Agency Commission on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings under the Executive Apparatus of Presidential Office and representatives from international organizations.