UNODC's Impact on Strengthening the Global Partnership to Combat Trafficking in Persons:
A Closer Look
Cooperation with foreign partners enables Kyrgyzstan's supervisory authorities to combat transnational criminal groups involved in human trafficking more effectively.
Talan Mamyrov, Deputy Head of the Department of International Legal Cooperation of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, discussed how international cooperation in cases related to human trafficking will evolve during the UNODC conference “Strengthening National Responses to Combat Trafficking in Persons: Conference on Cooperation, Coordination, and Key Lessons,” held as part of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime project “Supporting Victim-Focused Investigations and Prosecutions in the Kyrgyz Republic,” funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Q: What role does international cooperation play in investigating cases related to human trafficking, and how can it be strengthened?
A: In combating cross-border human trafficking, collaboration with colleagues from other countries is crucial. These crimes typically span multiple jurisdictions, requiring the exchange of information, joint investigations, extradition of suspects, protection and repatriation of victims, and the harmonization of legislative approaches.
To strengthen cooperation, it is necessary to:
- Enhance the mechanism for promptly exchanging operational information through Interpol and other international structures.
- Organize joint training sessions for law enforcement officers.
- Develop uniform investigation protocols for participating countries.
- Conclude bilateral and multilateral agreements aimed at sharing experiences in investigating human trafficking cases.
Q: What role has UNODC played in strengthening international cooperation in cases related to human trafficking?
A: The UN Office on Drugs and Crime, as the custodian of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, provides technical assistance to countries in developing legislation and response mechanisms. For example, in April this year, UNODC provided technical assistance in conducting bilateral consultations between Kyrgyzstan and Italy on agreements concerning extradition and the transfer of convicted persons for crimes related to human trafficking and illegal migration. Italy became the first European country with which Kyrgyzstan concluded such an agreement.
Additionally, UNODC’s training programs for law enforcement and judicial bodies, along with its efforts to strengthen coordination between countries through international projects and initiatives, have played a key role in enhancing global cooperation.
Q: Based on your experience, what specific needs does Kyrgyzstan have that require addressing to strengthen international cooperation in investigating human trafficking crimes?
A: Kyrgyzstan faces a number of challenges that require radical solutions. It is necessary to establish closer cooperation with key partners of those countries that serve both as origin and destination countries. We also need technical equipment to be able to track criminal networks, regular training for investigators, prosecutors and border guards, as well as improving mechanisms for providing comprehensive support to victims of human trafficking. Equally important is bringing national legislation into line with international standards.
Q: What commitments or plans does the Prosecutor General's Office have to further strengthen Kyrgyzstan's response to human trafficking?
A: First of all, we intend to focus on improving the coordination of law enforcement agencies and international partners to investigate human trafficking cases more effectively. In addition, we plan to develop new recommendations to strengthen international mutual legal assistance in human trafficking-related cases.
Equally important is expanding cooperation with non-governmental organizations and international structures, updating legislation in accordance with international standards on combating human trafficking, and broadening the legal framework for joint measures against this type of crime.
The interview was prepared by Vasilina Brazhko, Communications Analyst. For more information, please call +996775987817 on WhatsApp
