A delegation led by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Kari Johnstone, visited the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Issues of developing cooperation with the OSCE in the field of preventing human trafficking, protecting and rehabilitating victims, and ensuring the principles of decent work were discussed at the meeting with the Chairperson of the Senate, Chairperson of the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor, Tanzila Narbayeva.

It was noted that cooperation on a bilateral basis yields practical results. Joint projects are being implemented to improve mechanisms for identifying victims and protecting them.

Kari Johnstone positively assessed the ongoing reforms and measures in Uzbekistan to improve legislation on combating human trafficking.

The importance of further harmonizing national mechanisms with international standards, strengthening the victim-oriented approach, and expanding preventive work was noted.

The parties focused on the new challenges related to recruitment and fraud on digital platforms.

The importance of the international training on the use of technology to combat human trafficking, held in Tashkent, was emphasized at the meeting. It was noted that the relevant issues and initiatives identified at the event should be taken into account when forming upcoming plans and programs of the National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA