OSCE supports seminar for law enforcement on investigating human trafficking in Kazakhstan

The first in a series of five OSCE-supported two-day training seminars for more than 30 law-enforcement officers from 14 regions of Kazakhstan on investigative techniques and methods to counter trafficking in human beings started in Karaganda on 29 April 2016.

The seminar was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with Kazakhstan’s Internal Affairs Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Astana.

International experts from Italy and Ukraine presented the legislative experience and best practices in combating all forms of human trafficking as well as the protection of victims. Representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Social Healthcare and Development Ministry and non-governmental organizations working with human trafficking victims spoke on issues specifically relevant to Kazakhstan and its legislation. Special attention was paid to recognizing cases of trafficking, handling information on suspected cases, the referral process for possible victims and the use special indicators and checklists for proper victim identification.

Subsequent seminars will be held in Kokshetau, Kostanay, Shymkent and Taldykorgan over the next four months for some 200 criminal police officers.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to raise awareness and build the capacity of state institutions and civil society in the field of anti-trafficking in accordance with the host country’s obligations under ratified international treaties.