High-level Dialogue on Human Trafficking in Tajikistan focuses on partnership and participation

DUSHANBE, 10 November 2010 - In concluding the second session of the Dialogue on Human Trafficking facilitated by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and supported by the Government of Tajikistan the participants agreed to quickly move forward in finalizing the country's National Anti-Trafficking Action Plan.

Tackling human trafficking requires a coordinated response by a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies. This meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Zohidov Nizomiddin, senior officials from the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Education, Social Affairs and Labour, as well as the First Deputy General Prosecutor, the First Deputy of the National Security Committee, representatives of civil society, international organizations and diplomatic missions.

"This inclusive process has established a strong foundation for partnership in combatting human trafficking," said OSCE Gender and Anti-Trafficking Officer Maria Gratschew.
"It also provides a great opportunity for different organizations openly to talk about challenges in implementing activities to combat human trafficking, so that measures can be taken immediately by government bodies." said Deputy Foreign Minister Zohidov Nizomiddin. 

At the request of the Government of Tajikistan, the Dialogue on Human Trafficking will continue on a quarterly basis. The next session to be held in February 2011 will examine labour practices and employment solicitation.