OSCE supports efforts to promote co-operation between Kyrgyz agencies on combating human trafficking

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek hosted a co-ordination meeting of representatives of different Kyrgyz agencies on 18 March 2015, with the aim of securing the support of state institutions and civil society for establishing a platform for action to implement the 2013-2016 National Programme against Human Trafficking.  

The meeting was organized by the OSCE and the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry. Some 25 representatives of the Parliament, Ministry of Labour, Youth and Migration, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Prosecutor’s Office, State Registry, Border-Guards Service, Customs, Social Protection Ministry, Health Ministry and NGOs took part. Also participating were representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“Trafficking in human beings is the third highest profitable criminal business in the world after weapons smuggling and drug trafficking,” said Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, John MacGregor.  “All OSCE participating States have agreed on numerous political commitments that confirm their primary responsibility for addressing the trafficking in human beings as a means to uphold security through the protection of human rights.” 

The representative of the General Prosecutor’s office, Galina Shin, noted the importance of prevention. “With improved evidence collection by law enforcement, the prosecution of trafficking crimes would increase,” said Shin.

Aygul Boobekova, a representative of the Ministry of Health and a gender policy expert, raised concern over the phenomenon of the trafficking in new-borns. “Only through effective co-operation with key agencies and the capacity-building of medical personnel will it be possible to prevent and detect such instances,” she said.  

The participants stressed the need to step up prevention efforts and pledged support for the establishment of a formal platform for action. Participants agreed that the work of the platform would be based on a Memorandum of Understanding with agencies committing to share information and co-operate on the implementation of the National Programme.

The Office plans to hold four meetings in 2015 during which state agencies and civil society will share their progress on implementing the National Programme.