OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan conducts specialized anti-trafficking training course for regional branches of police

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan conducted a third in a series of anti-trafficking training courses for investigators and operative agents from Tashkent, Tashkent region and Syrdarya, from 13 to 17 May 2019 in Tashkent.

The course examined new forms and methods of recruitment of potential victims of human trafficking, exploring in detail the criminal methodologies used by traffickers. The training course took an innovative approach by exploring the nexus between human trafficking and terrorism, pull and push factors that make potential victims vulnerable to exploitation, including the displacement from conflict zones as opportunities for traffickers and organized crime.

The unique course, developed by the United Kingdom Specialist Policing Consultancy, compared the elements of human trafficking to the methods of modern terrorist groups. It showed a clear link between the methods some terrorist groups use to recruit, transport, coerce and exploit men, women, boys and girls into committing terrorist acts and those used by human traffickers. In addition, it also explored if investigators could use human trafficking laws to combat or disrupt terrorist activities.

Particular attention was given to gender aspects of human trafficking and terrorism and the importance of women in policing.

In his opening speech, OSCE Senior Project Officer Juergen Becker said: “Since trafficking is a common challenge transcending national boundaries, I hope that this training course will help to promote a gender sensitive and human rights approach to every victim of human trafficking.”  

Bernie Gravett, the UK Specialist Policing Consultancy Director, said: “I cannot stress the importance enough of sharing knowledge and experience between law enforcement officers in the UK and Uzbekistan. During my time as a police officer investigating international organized crime, the biggest challenge was working together across international borders and legal systems. The growth of human trafficking and the challenges faced in combating modern terrorist groups require us to share experience, build partnerships and gain an understanding of individual methods of working with the aim of combating crime and protecting all our citizens.”                                                                                                               

The training course is part of a longstanding commitment of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to assist the country in combating trafficking in human beings.