The National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor, together with the International Organization for Migration, held an international conference in Tashkent on “Global challenges in combating human trafficking: The role of society and international cooperation”.

Over 110 specialists and experts from government agencies, civil society institutions, academia, diplomatic missions, and international organizations took part in the conference, timed to July 30, the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

The event was officially opened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on International Relations, Foreign Economic Relations, Foreign Investment and Tourism Alisher Azamkhujayev, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ayubkhon Rakhmatullayev, and IOM Chief of Mission in Uzbekistan Andrew Gray.

It was noted that in the modern conditions of globalization, the crime of human trafficking threatens the security and stability not only of individuals, but also of the entire society. Millions of people around the world become victims of human trafficking every year, and this problem is getting worse.

It was emphasized that significant systematic work is being carried out in Uzbekistan, both in the legal and organizational spheres, aimed at countering this negative phenomenon.

In particular, a renewed Law “On Combating Human Trafficking” has been adopted, and measures of responsibility for crimes related to human trafficking, child and forced labor have been strengthened. A system for identifying and redirecting victims of human trafficking has been introduced at the national level, and a concept for combating human trafficking in Uzbekistan has been approved and is being actively implemented.

The contribution of international organizations, in particular the International Organization for Migration, to achieving success in this area was highlighted, and the need for consistent continuation of mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting new projects and initiatives in this area was emphasized.

The conference included sessions on such current topics as “Human trafficking: current threats and trends”, “The role of international cooperation in combating human trafficking”, and “The role of civil society institutions in combating human trafficking and protecting victims”.

During the discussions, participants focused on the growing influence of the digital environment on various forms of human trafficking, the need for cross-border coordination in combating this scourge, and the role of non-governmental organizations in providing comprehensive support to victims of human trafficking.

The national achievements in combating human trafficking were analyzed, and best practices were exchanged and priorities were identified.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA