Human trafficking is a global and widespread crime that use men, women and children for profit. The organized networks or individuals behind these lucrative crimes take advantage of people who are vulnerable, desperate or simply seeking a better life.
This crime needs a global response and engagement of national governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.
For past years, the government of Uzbekistan has demonstrated overall increasing efforts to combat human trafficking. These efforts included investigating, prosecuting, and convicting more traffickers; increasing support for labor migrants abroad; and increasing funding for Uzbekistan’s only shelter dedicated for trafficking victims. The country conducts activities in partnership with international partners.
As part of these efforts, on 26 - 30 August 2024, UNODC, with the support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, facilitated a visit of the delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan to Finland aimed to develop bilateral cooperation in investigation of trafficking in persons crimes and identification and referral of victims of trafficking from Uzbekistan.
During their 5-day stay in Finland, the Uzbek delegation exchanged information and experience in combating trafficking in persons and discussed cooperation possibilities during extensive meetings with the representatives of the Ministry of Justice including the National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police Board, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Migration Service, the Support Service for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, and the Regional Office of the Construction Trade Union. The specialists of both countries discussed the national legal and institutional frameworks, the trafficking in persons situation, the cases with the Uzbek citizens in Finland and collection of evidence, the establishment of contacts with the competent authorities of Uzbekistan for referral of Uzbek victims of trafficking from abroad, as well as enhancing the capacity of responsible officers.
Following the meetings, the parties discussed the need to conclude a bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance and strengthening cooperation in combating trafficking in persons.
UNODC continues to provide support to the Government of Uzbekistan in its counter trafficking in persons efforts.