Romit, Tajikistan, August 16, 2024 - Under the USAID-supported Safe Migration and Countering Trafficking in Persons Project, IOM, jointly with the Committee for Youth Affairs and Sports, organized a summer youth camp as part of proactive efforts to address trafficking in persons, protect vulnerable communities, and promote safe migration. The event, conducted under the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP) campaign and dedicated to International Youth Day, brought together 43 youth community leaders to discuss and brainstorm on safe migration and ways to prevent trafficking in persons.

The summer camp aimed to empower young community leaders to play a crucial role in delivering information sessions within their respective communities, especially among vulnerable young people from rural areas, about safe migration and trafficking in persons risks. The event was also aligned with the campaign’s overarching theme: “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.”

The five-day summer camp training program featured interactive learning sessions followed by practical exercises. Experts from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Human Rights Ombudsman, and CSOs facilitated the theoretical sessions. The practical sessions allowed participants to apply their gained knowledge through role-playing games, group work, debates, and discussions.

“Tajikistan’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons and empowering its youth leaders is commendable. Through collaborative efforts, we can create a safer environment and ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against trafficking,” said the Chief of the IOM Mission in Tajikistan, Mr. Viktor Lutenco, who attended the summer camp.

It is anticipated that the young leaders who were part of the summer camp will deliver information sessions, raising awareness among prospective migrants in their communities. By doing so, they contribute significantly to the protection of marginalized communities from the risks of irregular migration and trafficking.

According to the participants, such events are essential for self-awareness and networking with other young people. “Thank you to the Government of Tajikistan and the International Organization for Migration for organizing such an interesting event, where we met young leaders from all regions of Tajikistan, and even Afghanistan. This allows us to strengthen social cohesion among the youth of our countries,” said Mursal Nazari, a participant of the youth camp from Afghanistan.

Following the event, five small grants will be awarded to the most promising ideas aimed at delivering information sessions about safe migration and counter-trafficking in their respective communities. These sessions will target vulnerable youth and rural audiences under the common goal of “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The applications will be evaluated and selected by IOM, which will also provide initial support and mentoring for the successful applicants.

For more information, please contact: nshekhova@iom.int