OSCE concludes seminars for law enforcement on combatting trafficking in human beings in West Kazakhstan, Mangistau and Atyrau provinces

An OSCE-supported series of seminars on the identification of victims of human trafficking and the investigation of criminal cases related to human trafficking was held in West Kazakhstan, Mangistau and Atyrau provinces from 15 to 22 February.

The activity was organized in co-operation with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office, the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and the Information and Advisory Center "Daris".

Being a country of origin, transit and destination for human trafficking, impunity for traffickers and a lack of effective prosecution remain a challenge. The seminars offered tools and practical exercises on conducting individual investigative actions with victims and witnesses of a crime, and provided an overview of the methodology of the national referral mechanism for victims of human trafficking. The seminar aimed at building the capacity of 75 district prosecutors and police officers in combatting human trafficking, and co-operation at the district and regional level was established between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to support the host country in combating human trafficking and in implementing the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings.