OSCE Centre in Astana launches anti-trafficking training for judges

ASTANA, 19 February 2013 – The first of a series of OSCE-supported training seminars on improving judicial practice in criminal cases related to human trafficking was launched in Astana today.

The two-day seminar is organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana in co-operation with the Academy of Public Administration, the Supreme Court and the US Embassy in Kazakhstan. It brings together 30 heads of district and city courts from all regions of Kazakhstan to discuss best judicial practices and effective ways to use international and national legal tools in dealing with criminal cases on trafficking in human beings for sexual, labour or other forms of exploitation.

Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, said the seminar would improve the handling of criminal cases and allow the OSCE to contribute to continued professional development of judges.

Murat Beibitov, Director of the Academy of Public Administration stressed that trafficking in persons is a very serious crime that can also be extremely lucrative, with its profitability exceeded only by drug trafficking and the smuggling of weapons. Developing and implementing proper legislation in all OSCE participating States, Kazakhstan included, was vital for addressing the problem, he added.

The seminars are part of the Centre’s longstanding efforts to improve Kazakhstan’s legislation and practice in combating trafficking in human beings, one of the top priorities of the Ukrainian OSCE Chairmanship for 2013.