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. Victor Lutenco, who attended the summer camp.