Respecting human rights while combating transnational threats - OSCE-supported workshop held in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, 29 November 2011 – A three-day OSCE-supported workshop which started in Tashkent today will focus on building the capacity of the national police in advancing the implementation of human rights while addressing transnational crimes, such as trafficking and terrorism.

The workshop organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Police Academy of Uzbekistan, with expert support from the OSCE Strategic Policing Matters Unit and the United States in Uzbekistan, brings together 25 representatives from the Police Academy and the Interior Ministry.

The workshop aims at increasing awareness of the police officers of the international human rights standards and the role of the law enforcement personnel in ensuring and protecting human rights while combating trafficking in drugs and human beings, and countering terrorism.

“Building the capacity of the police to ensure human rights protection and effectively address transnational security threats has been an essential component of the OSCE’s support to Uzbekistan in the past years,” said Ambassador Venczel, the OSCE  Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

Under the guidance of international and national experts, the workshop participants will discuss the practical application of human rights standards during the investigation of the different forms of human and drug trafficking, international co-operation practices, such as joint investigation teams, as well as challenges the international terrorism is posing to security of individuals.