DUSHANBE, November 23, Asia-Plus  -- The second international conference formally titled “Countering Human Trafficking in Central Asia: Experience Exchange, Elaboration of Strategic Approaches and Expansion of Cooperation” is opening in Dushanbe today morning.  

According to NGO Modar, the conference is aimed at promoting mobilization of society in fight against modern form of slavery, establishment cooperation among countries of origin and destination as well as transit countries in countering human trafficking. 

The conference participants will share information and experience, discuss national and international laws, as well as discuss ways to strengthen a network of partnering organizations, the source said.  

The conference is also considering issues related to seeking solution to problems of trafficking in persons, trafficking in children, as well as improving mechanism of repatriation and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.  

The conference is part of a joint international project entitled “Safe Return and Rehabilitation.  

 The conference is staged by the Interagency Commission for Combating Human Trafficking under Government of Tajikistan, Center for Strategic Studies at the President of Tajikistan, and NGO Modar in cooperation with Stiftelsen Kvinnoforum of Sweden and Angel Coalition Trafficking Victim Assistance Center in Moscow.  

The conference participants include members of the interagency commission, representatives from civil sector and media, diplomatic missions and international organizations active in Tajikistan, as well as experts from the CIS states, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran.   

Kvinnoforum, Foundation of Women’s Forum, was established in 1988 in Stockholm, Sweden. Kvinnoforum is an independent civil society organization (CSO), and together with Gender Management Institute (GMI), it forms the Kvinnoforum Group.  Kvinnoforum aims at increasing women''s and girl''s empowerment at an individual level, in working life and in society at large through strategies for change and targeted activities with and for women, girls, boys and men.  A gender and empowerment perspective is the basis for all work.

Tajikistan’s legislation prohibits trafficking in persons; however, trafficking in persons from and through the country is still a problem.  Tajikistan adopted the law to combat trafficking in persons, which addresses prevention, prosecution of traffickers, and protection of victims, in 2004.  Penalties for trafficking include imprisonment from 5 to 15 years and confiscation of personal property. The law also criminalizes trafficking in teenagers.

There are several NGOs involved in anti-trafficking activities operating throughout Tajikistan.  They provide various services to trafficking victims and carry out a wide range of information programs in conjunction with local authorities throughout the country.  For example, the NGO Modar in the Sughd region helps trafficking victims to find social services for abused women, the NGO Women Scientists runs a crisis center for abused women and trafficked women, etc.