OSCE promotes co-operation on combating human trafficking in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, 14 December 2011 - Current practices, investigation techniques and operational experiences in combating human trafficking, along with victims’ rights and their access to justice is the focus of a two-day OSCE workshop that opened today in Tashkent.

The workshop, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, brings together criminal justice experts, law enforcement officials and non-governmental organizations dealing with anti-trafficking and migrants’ rights from Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation and Turkey.

“Promoting direct co-operation between the countries of origin and destination and sharing information and expertise among law enforcement professionals is a key component in the global fight against human trafficking,” said the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Istvan Venczel, in his opening speech. “Developing co-operation between state authorities and civil society actors is vitally important for all countries especially in ensuring the right of trafficked persons to adequate identification, protection and safe return.”

Participants will discuss human trafficking challenges, including prosecuting cases, timely victim identification and referral for assistance as well as providing legal assistance and representation.