Young Leaders for Security: OSCE-supported Youth Forum on Combating Human Trafficking Concludes in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Issyk-Kul, 23-26 October 2023 - The Migration Council under the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, organized a four-day Youth Forum on Combating Human Trafficking in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. The event gathered 30 young leaders from across the country selected through a competitive essay contest on the topic "How I Understand Human Trafficking?". 

The participants delved into studying the national and international legislation, the National Referral Mechanism, and the challenges of illegal migration through expert-led sessions, real-life cases, and interactive activities. They also had the opportunity to develop and present project proposals to be implemented at their home universities. 

This initiative aimed to address and raise awareness about the critical issues of human trafficking and illegal migration, while also encouraging young, enthusiastic minds to learn, share ideas, and actively contribute to combating human trafficking through collaboration. 

"Thanks to this Forum, I learned a lot about human trafficking and gained profound knowledge of human rights and how to safeguard them," shared one of the participants of the event, Dosumbek Abdrakhmanov, a student at Batken State University. 

"The role of youth in combating human trafficking and illegal migration is significant because there are many of us. We can reunite and conduct similar events for our peers in all seven regions of Kyrgyzstan," noted Aiana Luntsova, a student from the Ishenaly Arabaev Kyrgyz State University.

The Forum underscored the enduring partnership between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in combating human trafficking and illegal migration, emphasizing the pivotal role that youth play in forging a resilient and safer future for all.